PRESEASON WEEK 4

Texans 28 Cowboys 17

Texans Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

Nobody we’ll be drafting for fantasy this year played in this game for the Texans as they’ve already turned their attention to Week One.

Former Cowboy Brandon Weeden and second-year QB Tom Savage, who already won the job as Brock Osweiler’s backup, split the reps in this game. Savage converted a pair of fourth downs for touchdowns – both to running back Akeem Hunt on a run and a pass and finished the night 12 of 18 for 199 yards and 1 TD. Weeden, trying to stick as the #3 QB finished 9 of 13 for 116 yards including a 64-yard TD to backup WR Keith Mumphrey. He also had an interception returned 59 yards for a touchdown by rookie Anthony Brown.

Cowboys Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

Rookie QB Dak Prescott was held out of this game along with the most of the Cowboys’ other starters. He could certainly use the game reps but clearly the Cowboys are valuing his health over getting the extra reps right now.

Second-year QB Jameill Showers, currently the backup to rookie Dak Prescott with Tony Romo out with a broken bone in his back, played the whole game as planned, but completed only 10 of his 25 pass attempts for 91 yards. He had a first-quarter touchdown pass to rookie RB Darius Jackson, but also lost a fumble and threw a pick. The Cowboys depth at QB is a serious problem right now. They did signed QB Jarrod Johnson before the game in case Showers was injured but it remains to be seen if they’ll bring in a veteran to back up Prescott.

Cardinals 38 Broncos 17

Cardinals Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

The biggest story coming out of this game for the Cardinals was that John Brown started and appears to be on track to start Week One after dealing with a concussion and subsequent headaches for most of camp. He only played on the Cardinals’ first two series and did not receive any pass targets.

QB Matt Barkley, trying to make the team as the #3 QB, had a nice showing completing 20 of 29 passes for 269 yards with two touchdowns with no interceptions.

Rookie RB Elijhaa Penny rushed for 113 yards but isn’t expected to make the team and could be headed for the practice squad.

Broncos Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

Rookie QB Paxton Lynch, the No. 26 overall pick in this year’s draft, was 13 for 22 for 214 yards with 2 TD tosses, both to Jordan Taylor. Lynch also had an interception returned 29 yards for a touchdown. Lynch looked good overall making some stick throws under pressure and showed good mobility evading the rush and making some strong throws on the run. Most expect him to become the Broncos’ starter at some point this season and this is the best we’ve seen him so far. Broncos’ Week One starter Trevor Siemian and presumed #2 QB Mark Sanchez both sat this one out.

Taylor, who spent his rookie season last year on the Broncos practice squad, caught 4 of 10 targets for 109 yards and 2 TDs.

With C.J. Anderson and Devontae Booker locked in as the #1 and #2 RBs respectively, Kapri Bibbs and Ronnie Hillman are battling it out for the #3 job. Hillman had a strong preseason Week Three performance against reserves and Bibbs ran well here gaining 51 yards on 10 carries.

49ers 31 Chargers 21

49ers Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

The names of some of the 49ers skill-position starters aren’t all that familiar to fantasy owners and while they all sat out in this game, the most recognizable 49er was on the field. QB Colin Kaepernick, who once again did not stand for the national anthem, did little to indicate that he should be the 49ers’ starting QB over Blaine Gabbert. He was solid but not great, going 11 for 18 for 103 yards in one half of action. He didn’t turn the ball over but did miss on two potential scoring throws late in the first half.

QB Christian Ponder, who is trying to factor in to the 49ers QB plans, passed for 101 yards and rushed for the go-ahead touchdown in this game. Rookie QB Jeff Driskel threw only 4 passes, completing 1 for 3 yards.

Chargers Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

With Brandon Oliver out for the year, the Chargers’ #3 RB position is up for grabs. Rookie Kenneth Farrow is looking like the guy in that spot right now as he rushed for 63 yards including a 44-yard TD on just 7 carries. Gus Johnson, also fighting for a RB job, carried 9 times for 28 yards.

Veteran Kellen Clemens, Phillip Rivers’ backup, started this game and showed a good command of the offense completing 11 of his 15 passes for 113 yards with no TDs and no turnovers.

Second-year WR Isaiah Burse who could stick as the Chargers’ #5 WR had a productive night catching 6 of his 7 targets for 63 yards including a 17-yard TD from third-string QB Mike Bercovici.

Seahawks 23 Raiders 21

Seahawks Overview

Players of note who did not play: TE Jimmy Graham (knee recovery)

The Seahawks were one of the teams that played their starters in the first preseason game, but only for a series. QB Russell Wilson went 1/3 for 23 yards, a completion to TE Luke Willson.

RB Christine Michael got the start for the Seahawks, and carried twice for 2 yards.

However, the big news in the Seattle backfield was the return of Thomas Rawls. Rawls didn’t start, but he played with backup QB Trevone Boykin on Seattle’s second series, and carried 2 times for 7 yards. It appears that Rawls is ready to rock in Week 1 in his return from an ankle injury, though it may initially be part of some sort of rotation.

Elsewhere in the backfield, C.J. Prosise was the third back to enter, and he posted 4/5 rushing and a 4-yard reception. In a push to make the roster, Prosise’s fellow rookie Alex Collins finished the preseason strong with 9/40/1 rushing.

TE Jimmy Graham did not play, and it appears Graham will need into the season to be ready to play as he recovers from last season’s torn patellar tendon.

Raiders Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

The Raiders rested just about everyone in this game. The most notable player who suited up was rookie RB DeAndre Washington, who got the start. Washington carried for just 14 yards on 11 totes, but added 4/39 as a receiver.

The Raiders’ second back in the game was UDFA rookie Jalen Richard, who posted 3/10 rushing and 1/7 receiving. The Raiders’ leading rusher was George Atkinson, who entered third and posted 7/56/1 rushing and 2/5 receiving.

Falcons 17 Jaguars 15

Falcons Overview

Players of note who did not play: WR Julio Jones (rest/tightness)

The Falcons’ starters – aside from Julio Jones – played in this one, but not much. QB Matt Ryan started, but didn’t throw a pass. RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman had just a single carry each.

Preseason star Aldrick Robinson continued his quest to be the Falcons’ #3 WR. The deep threat caught 2 passes for 21 yards.

#3 RB Terron Ward had missed time this preseason with an injury, but played nearly the entire game in this one, posting 22/68/2 rushing.

Jaguars Overview

Players of note who did not play: Almost every projected contributor

There was not a whole lot to glean from this one for Jacksonville. Rookie 6th-round pick Brandon Allen started the game at QB, and played the entire game. He posted 17/26 passing for 164 yards, with 2 TDs and a pick.

The star of the game for the Jags was rookie LB Myles Jack, who clearly didn’t act like it was a preseason game.

Eagles 14 Jets 6

Eagles Overview

Players of note who did not play: Almost every starter

With no Sam Bradford or Carson Wentz (ribs) in this one, Chase Daniel and camp arm McLeod Bethel-Thompson split the work for Philly. Daniel wasn’t particularly good, going 14/22 for 131 yards and 2 INTs, but it’s worth noting he barely had anyone of note to throw to.

The Eagles played three receivers we anticipate making the team. Dorial Green-Beckham (2 catches, 31 yards) and Josh Huff (1 catch, -3 yards) are locks. The interesting guy is Jason Avant-like slot receiver Paul Turner, who has led the Eagles in receiving this preseason. He posted 6/66 receiving on 7 targets, but coach Doug Pederson’s post-game comments seem to suggest Turner isn’t a lock for the roster. Could the Eagles reexamine their receiver situation after final cuts?

Jets Overview

Players of note who did not play: Almost every projected contributor

The Jets’ QB situation may have been solved. They currently have four on their roster, and are basically forced to keep Christian Hackenberg considering he was a second-round pick. But second-year man Bryce Petty, who started the game, left with a throwing shoulder injury. X-rays were negative, but Petty will go for an MRI. Don’t be shocked if the Jets find a way to stash Petty on IR.

That said, Hackenberg was awful. After an impressive first drive in his preseason debut last week, Hack looked utterly inept in this one, against the Eagles’ scrub defense. He went an atrocious 11/31 for 54 yards with a pick six, a 90-yard return from Ed Reynolds. He’ll likely be the Jets’ #3, but if it actually gets to a point where he has to play as a rookie, the Jets should wave the white flag and sign any veteran to take the job. If Hack becomes a solid NFL QB, it will take a long time, and would perhaps be the best coaching job we’ve ever seen from a staff.

Khiry Robinson started at RB for the Jets. He posted 13/25 rushing and 3/18 receiving.

It’s been a shaky preseason for Jace Amaro, and the Jets wanted him to get some more action. He posted 3/24 receiving on 4 targets. He may be in danger of not making this club.

Colts 13 Bengals 10

Colts Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

The most notable positional battle in Indianapolis is what they will do with their No. 2 running back. Frank Gore is 33-years-old and the Colts would assuredly like to have a little insurance behind him. They brought in ex-Patriot/Lion Stevan Ridley this week, but also have UDFA Josh Ferguson, Jordan Todman and Robert Turbin.

Notably, Stevan Ridley started the Colts’ fourth-preseason game. Indianapolis likely wanted to give Ridley an extended look before rosters are cut to 53. Ridley carried the ball nine times for just 11 yards. Robert Turbin came in second, but he rotated snaps for the entire first three quarters. Josh Ferguson only played in the second quarter, but he caught five balls for 33 yards. The Colts’ No. 2 RB slot is still not settled.

Bengals Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

After starting over Tyler Boyd in the Bengals’ third preseason game, Brandon LaFell did not play against the Colts in the fourth and final exhibition of the year. LaFell is likely slated to start outside opposite A.J. Green to start the season while Boyd will play in the slot.

The Bengals will likely be without Tyler Eifert for at least the first four weeks of the season. Backup TE Tyler Kroft did not play (knee sprain) against the Colts and he is still “questionable” to play Week 1. While Eifert and Kroft are getting healthy, rookie C.J. Uzomah could open the year as the Bengals starting TE.

Bears 21 Browns 7

Bears Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

While starting RB Jeremy Langford rested, rookie Jordan Howard went nuts against the Browns 3rd- and 4th-string defenses. Ripping off 107 yards on 16 carries (1 touchdown), Howard showed well even though he played behind Ka’Deem Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers.

When push comes to shove, look for Jordan Howard to eventually be the Bears’ No. 2 back this season. Jacquizz Rodgers has always been a space back while Ka’Deem Carey only has 79 career carries.

Browns Overview

Players of note who did not play: None

In a week where most teams elect to rest their starters, the Browns did no such thing. Robert Griffin attempted eight passes (completing four for 31 yards), Josh Gordon paced all Browns’ receivers (3-29) and Isaiah Crowell (6-11-1) and Duke Johnson (2-8) both played as well.

Notably, Isaiah Crowell got the start in the Browns’ fourth exhibition game. He has been leading Duke Johnson in snaps this preseason, but not by much. Crowell is a major value in the 10th and 11th rounds of drafts.

Terrell Watson came in third in rotation behind Crowell/Johnson. He’s an interesting name to keep an eye on should Crowell get hurt. Watson accounted for a mammoth 52.7 percent of his team’s total yardage and touchdowns while in college at Azusa Pacific.

Lions 31 Bills 0

Lions Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

Rookie Dwayne Washington got the start in Detroit’s fourth exhibition game without Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick active. He took his first run of the evening to the house for 58-yards.

Washington and Zach Zenner will likely vie for the Lions’ short-yardage back role that was previously occupied by Joique Bell. Neither Washington nor Zenner are worth considering in 12-team leagues, but could warrant consideration if Abdullah gets hurt.

Bills Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

There is not much to take away from the Bills’ 31-point loss in their final preseason game. Buffalo jogged out their 3rd-team offense and mailed in a loss before rosters are cut to 53.

Panthers 18 Steelers 6

Steelers Overview

Offensive players of note who did not play: Most of the starting offense.

TE Jesse James and LT Alejandro Villanueva were the only regular offensive starters to play in the final preseason game. James didn’t see a target in his 14 snaps.

WR Sammie Coates didn’t see a target in 11 snaps, but he did have a carry for no yards.

Slot WR Eli Rogers led the Steelers in receiving with 3/20 on 3 targets while playing just 7 snaps. QB Ben Roethlisberger believes that Rogers can take some pressure off Antonio Brown this year by keeping safeties in the middle of the field

Panthers Overview

Offensive players of note who did not play: Most of the starting offense.

The Panthers gave RB Cameron Artis-Payne the chance to show he can handle a heavy workload. The handcuff to Jonathan Stewart ended up running 18 times and 77 yards and added 2/18 receiving on 3 targets.

Hopefully, K Graham Gano didn’t wear out his leg for the regular season after a busy preseason finale. He connected on 6 field goals (22 yards, 28, 41, 42, 45, 47) and missed a 44-yard attempt wide right.

Titans 21 Dolphins 10

Titans Overview

The Titans gave Derrick Henry the chance to run as the starter and he looked good once again, going for 7/62/1 rushing and 1/6 receiving while playing 12 snaps. He scored on an easy 1-yard run. He looked powerful, slippery at times, and he caught the edge on two different runs.

RB Antonio Andrews made a push for the #4 job with 9/32/2 rushing in the first half, and RB Bishop Sankey (8/25 rushing) didn’t have a carry until the second half.

Dolphins Overview

RB Jay Ajayi really made his 5 snaps count, and not for the good. He carried 3 times for 13 yards, but he lost a fumble on the first play of the game and he dropped his only target. Ajayi’s push for the early-down role went very poorly this preseason, and Arian Foster appears to have won the starting job by default. Still, Foster will get hurt at some point this season, and Ajayi will need to be ready to play significant snaps. Ajayi will also get some early-down work each week.

Meanwhile, third-round pick Kenyan Drake showed off his excellent receiving skills for the first time this preseason after sitting out with a hamstring injury. He caught a deep ball for 33 yards on his only target. He also averaged 22.5 yards on two kickoffs.

The Dolphins took a long look at WR Leonte Carroo (2/17 receiving on 2 targets), playing 75% of the snaps. He could be a gameday inactive to start the year with fellow WR Jakeem Grant seeing playing time because of his ability in the return game.

Giants 17 Patriots 9

Patriots Overview

In a surprising move, the Patriots gave suspended QB Tom Brady the entire first half in the preseason finale. We have to wonder if Brady told Bill Belichick that he wanted to get some time with some of the starters before his long layoff. He finished 16/26 for 166 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT, and added 2 scrambles for 9 yards and took a sack. Of course, Brady will return from suspension in Week 5, with Jimmy Garoppolo handling the starting duties for the first four weeks.

WR Chris Hogan (3/22 receiving on 4 targets) got the start with Julian Edelman (3/28 on 5) and Aaron Dobson (3/61 on 7). It’s looking more and more likely that Danny Amendola (knee/ankle) will start the year on the PUP list, opening up an early opportunity for Hogan to play.

RB Tyler Gaffney (6/22 rushing) left the game early with an ankle injury, which could hurt him as he tries to make the final roster. D.J. Foster is believed to be ahead of him in the battle for the #4 RB spot, and he posted 9/110 receiving on 10 targets and added 9/22 rushing while playing with Brady. Foster looks like the primary backup to James White, but he did lose a fumble. Brandon Bolden will likely backup LeGarrette Blount because of his abilities on special teams.

Giants Overview

WR Victor Cruz once again played, failing to catch his only target while playing 9 snaps. WR Tavarres King finished a strong push for the #4 WR job – and potentially the #3 spot with Cruz’s shaky durability – as he posted 4/80/1 receiving on 5 targets while playing 77% of the snaps. He scored on a 59-yard pass, catching a slant out of the slot and sprinting past the defense. The fourth-year WR finished the preseason with 11/206/3 receiving, and he could be a factor on the outside because of his size (6’1”) in this small WR corps.

TE Larry Donnell (1/30 receiving on 3 targets) looks poised to open the year as the starter with Will Tye (no targets) playing into the fourth quarter.

Chiefs 17 Packers 7

Chiefs Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

He’s officially an afterthought now because of the play of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware, but for what it’s worth, RB Knile Davis had 1 carries for 58 yards and a TD and caught one of two targets out of the backfield.

The top three receivers of Maclin, Conley and Wilson were out but there was still an impressive amount of production and efficiency from some receivers lower on the depth chart, including Frankie Hammond, who caught five of six targets for 51 yards, De’Anthony Thomas (4/45 on 4 targets), and Rod Streater (3/52 on 6 targets). It wasn’t necessarily the result of good QB play, however, as backup Aaron Murray threw for 108 yards, no TDs and 2 INTs, and third stringer Tyler Bray threw for just 104 yards an no TDs.

Meanwhile, Tyreek Hill, who had a great camp and who showed some promise, didn’t catch any of his four targets, including one drop on a would-be first down.

Backup TE James O’Shaughnessy caught three of his four targets for 18 yards. He obviously won’t be seeing a lot of targets when Travis Kelce is in.

Packers Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

In a battle for the No.3 WR spot, it was Jared Abbrederis making the most of the opportunity, catching two of his three targets for 49 yards, including a 40-yard reception and a 9-yard catch that resulted in a first down. His competition did not fare as well, as WR Davante Adams caught just two of five targets for 20 yards (though we can attribute some of it to poor QB play), and Ty Montgomery also caught just two of his five targets for a measly 11 yards. For what it’s worth though, Montgomery did block Chief’s P Dustin Colquitt’s punt in the first quarter.

With Richard Rodgers out, TE Jared Cook had just one reception for 5 yards, but it was a TD reception on an out-and-up route from backup QB Joe Callahan.

Vikings 27 Rams 25

Vikings Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

It’ll be Shaun Hill taking over for the injured Teddy Bridgewater once the seasons tarts, but Hill didn’t play in the preseason finale, leaving Joel Stave and Brad Sorensen as the two QBs. Neither were spectacular but Sorensen did connect with Jhurrell Pressley on a short pass that turned into a 28-yard TD. Pressley was the start of Minnesota, as he also took a kickoff 6 yards deep and took it to the house for a TD to give the Vikings a 20-10 lead in the third quarter.

Jarius Wright, often the man overshadowed by other Viking receivers, caught three of his six targets for 35 yards.

Unfortunately, even with the main pass catchers out (Kyle Rudolph and Stefon Diggs), rookie WR Laquon Treadwell didn’t do much to boost his stock, catching only one of his five targets for 5 yards.

Rams Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

Oh boy. Things were already bad for rookie QB Jared Goff, but apparently he’s not even the backup QB at this point. He went just 6/16 passing for 67 yards with a TD and INT, struggling mightily with accuracy and confidence. It didn’t help that the Ram receivers were very drop-prone in this game but he looked completely overwhelmed and defeated. Towards the end of the first half, he fumbled away the ball which led to a Blair Walsh FG. On his very next play, he was picked off. After the game, HC Jeff Fisher said “He’s not ready” and that Sean Mannion would be the first option off the bench in case something were to happen to Case Keenum, according to The Los Angeles Times.

Goff did, however, connect with WR Kenny Britt for a one-yard TD on the opening drive. Britt was one of the few first-stringers to play and caught both of his targets for 9 yards.

We already know the pecking order at RB, but Aaron Green still made the most of his preseason opportunity, rushing 13 times for 66 yards, including a 26-yard TD with under two minutes to play in the game.

Ravens 23 Saints 14

Ravens Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

We were thrilled to see WR Breshad Perriman take the first for the first time in a year. While there was nothing spectacular about his play, he hauled in his first two targets, including a 16-yarder that was thrown slightly behind him. Perriman finished 2/25 receiving on four targets and played into the second quarter. He did let a pass bounce off his hands, but the rust was expected and he got through the game healthy, which was of paramount importance.

WR Jeremy Butler continued his strong preseason, catching three balls for 34 yards. He looks to be locked in on the final roster.

DT Michael Pierce made his case to be on the roster, overwhelming the Saint offensive line a strip-sacking Saint QB Luke McCown, knocking the ball into the end-zone and recovering it for a TD.

Saints Overview

The Saints, unlike most other teams, kept their first-stringers in there for a short bit, with QB Drew Brees and RB Mark Ingram both playing on the first drive. Brees went 3/6 for 40 yards and Ingram rushed 3 times for 21 yards and an impressive 7.0 YPC. Luke McCown relieved Brees but third-string Garrett Grayson played the majority of the game, going 11/16 for 98 yards and a TD.

For the backup RBs, Tim Hightower continued to look a bit plodding but getting the job down (8/24 rushing) while C.J. Spiller, who has been impressive thus far in camp and the preseason, saw two carries for 17 yards and caught his only reception for 10 yards. Marcus Murphy was the most active out of the three backs, rushing 6 times for 31 yards and catching all three of his targets for 28 yards.

The kicking battle between Kai Forbath and Connor Barth wasn’t really cleared up, as both Forbath and Barth each hit a FG.

Redskins 20 Buccaneers 13

Redskins Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense

Very few players expected to contribute on Washington’s club this year played in the preseason finale. However, the story remains the backfield. With Matt Jones, Chris Thompson, and Keith Marshall all battling injuries (and Marshall now on IR), rookie UDFA Rob Kelley has been Washington’s top back for most of the preseason. Kelley had yet another solid game in this one, posting 16/99 rushing. We still have a hard time buying into Kelley; he was the third-leading rusher on a 3-9 Tulane team last year, and his athletic measurables from his pro day are incredibly unimpressive, as they’re below-average across the board. Nonetheless, he’s looked like a runner willing to invite contact this preseason, and he’s also been solid in pass protection. We fully expect Washington will sign a veteran RB at some point in early September, but Kelley is going to make the team, and could well be Jones’ top handcuff.

Behind Kelley, Mack Brown posted 19/149/1 rushing, including a 60-yard TD. It’s just a reminder not to take stats too seriously in these final preseason games, when neither team is playing many players who will eventually contribute.

QB Nate Sudfeld played the whole game, but went just 8/18 for 72 yards and a TD, which was a 13-yard score to WR Rashad Ross.

Buccaneers Overview

Players of note who did not play: Most of the first-string offense and defense.

Backup QB Mike Glennon started in place of Jameis Winston, but posted just 1/5 passing for -1 yard, also taking a 15-yard sack. He was replaced by Ryan Griffin, who played most of the rest of the game and went 23/38 for 190 yards with a TD and an INT.

While reports suggest Austin Sefarian-Jenkins has overtaken Cameron Brate for Tampa’s starting TE job, keep in mind that ASJ played in this game – he went for 22 yards on 2 catches – and Brate did not. Coach Dirk Koetter may well want to see more of ASJ.

Competing for a roster spot, WR Kenny Bell posted 1/13 receiving.

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PRESEASON WEEK 3

Vikings 23 | Chargers 10

Vikings Overview

This was an excellent game for QB Teddy Bridgewater overall. Teddy got the start after missing last week with some shoulder soreness, and went 12/16 for 161 yards and a TD. Teddy showed excellent command of the pocket and of awareness of the concepts the Chargers were throwing at him, and he made several very impressive throws to one of the league’s more underrated groups of weapons. He was particularly fond of #1 WR Stefon Diggs, who posted 5/71, and his TD went to the up-and-down Kyle Rudolph down the seam. Teddy also ran for 22 yards on a single rush attempt; that’s not a huge part of his game, but he can clearly contribute in that area when need be.

Diggs has the mental skills of a veteran at WR. The Vikings’ most versatile weapon, he caught all 5 of his targets for 71 yards. He ran from pretty much every single possible alignment, running a variety of routes, using his natural quickness to get open. The Vikings also love getting Diggs in a position where he can use his agility to make plays after the catch, so OC Norv Turner has been using Diggs on shallow crosses out of the slot. Diggs is clearly the Vikings’ #1 receiver.

As for Rudolph, He posted 3/56/1 receiving, but he also gave minimal effort on a ball that was thrown slightly ahead of him, lost a fumble, and got Bridgewater creamed on a whiffed block. It appears he will continue to be the same inconsistent, yet talented, player he’s always been.

Once again, rookie WR Laquon Treadwell worked behind starters Diggs and Charles Johnson. Treadwell made a single catch for 15 yards, but also hauled in a two-point conversion from QB Shaun Hill, rising up over a CB on a fade pattern.

It was hard not to be impressed by RB Jerick McKinnon, who got the start with Adrian Peterson inactive. McKinnon carried 8 times for 56 yards, including a 35-yarder on the second play of the game. McKinnon got a great crease, but also was patient enough to let it develop, then shook a defender in the open field to get a few extra yards. The Vikings have talked up McKinnon this off-season, and while Peterson is the no-doubt bell cow, it’s looking harder and harder to deny McKinnon an active role.

Chargers Overview

Players of note who did not play: None.

This was not a pretty game for the Chargers. RT Joe Barksdale, a starter on their already thin offensive line, got rolled up on and left the game with an ankle injury. It appears he avoided serious injury, but a loss along the offensive line would be a terrible break for a Charger team that is so thin there. RB Branden Oliver was not as lucky; Oliver tore his Achilles while coming down from catching a pass, and obviously is going to miss the entire season.

The Chargers wisely got QB Philip Rivers off the field after throwing just 9 passes. He completed 5 of them for 54 yards, including an INT, which went off the chest of WR Keenan Allen (he was well covered by CB Trae Waynes). With Barksdale going down with an injury, the Chargers just couldn’t risk getting Rivers hurt.

One positive player for San Diego was WR Travis Benjamin. While Benjamin caught just 2 of 5 targets for 32 yards, we were very intrigued by his involvement in the short passing game. The Chargers ran a rocket screen with him, reminiscent of Demaryius Thomas, which utilized Benjamin’s speed in a different way than just sending him down the field in a straight line. Benjamin is more versatile than people are giving him credit for. He’s got real fantasy potential alongside Allen.

Speaking of straight-line speed, Charger RB Melvin Gordon has it. Gordon carried 4 times for 51 yards, including a 38-yard TD. Gordon ran away from the Viking defense on the TD, but the play was actually made by Rivers. Rivers saw a run blitz coming up the A gap, called an audible, and absorbed the hit himself while giving it to Gordon right when the blitzing LB left a void in the middle of the field. Once Gordon had room, the Vikings weren’t going to catch him. Overall, it’s been a very positive preseason for Gordon, and while we’re still skeptical of him behind a shaky offensive line, he’s bound to have some positive regression in the TD department after not scoring once during his rookie year.

Texans 34 | Cardinals 24

Cardinals Overview

QB Carson Palmer had an absolutely miserable day at the office in the Cardinals dress rehearsal game, competing 5/9 passes for 64 yards and 2 INTs. His second INT went for a pick-six on an ill-advised screen pass to TE Darren Fells (2/44 receiving on 3 targets) and, to add insult to injury, he took a big hit from DL Devon Still and didn’t return to the game. Palmer is believed to be fine outside of chipping his tooth. The Cardinals starting offense now has just 10 points in three preseason games. We’re not going to put too much stock into Palmer’s performance, especially since top WRs Larry Fitzgerald (knee) and John Brown (head) didn’t play on Sunday.

RB David Johnson justified his standing as a first-round pick with 6/28/1 rushing and 1/0 receiving on 2 targets. He broke off a 16-yard run down the right sideline before capping the drive with this impressive TD where he bounced it outside and stuck his foot in the ground and slithered back inside for the score. Chris Johnson (7/24 rushing) was once again the second RB through the rotation, playing ahead of Andre Ellington (3/25 rushing, 3/20 receiving) who looks to have his explosiveness back.

The Cardinals haven’t used the no-huddle much in Bruce Arians tenure, but it looks like that could change some this year. Arians has been experimenting with it this preseason, and he wanted the offense to experience running the no-huddle on the road.

Texans Overview

Players of note who did not play: LT Derek Newton (hamstring)

QB Brock Osweiler saved his best preseason performance for the team’s dress rehearsal against the Cardinals, finishing 11/13 for 146 yards and a TD. It could’ve been an even better day but rookie WR Will Fuller (3/67/1 receiving on 4 targets) dropped a deep pass. The first-round WR made up for it with connections of 35 yards and a 26-yard TD strike, and he continues to be an electric addition to this passing game as a deep threat. Playing with Osweiler and the starters, Fuller now has 8/144/2 receiving in three preseason games.

Osweiler has also been on the same page early with rookie WR Braxton Miller (3/29 receiving on 3 targets), who has clearly separated from Cecil Shorts (1/7 on 2 targets) for the starting slot WR job. WR Jaelen Strong (2/22 on 5 targets) has performed much better in his second training camp, but he’s locked in as the #4 WR here. HC Bill O’Brien took it easy on his top offensive weapon DeAndre Hopkins, who caught both of his targets for 31 yards while playing just 13 snaps.

We do have major worries about this Texan O-line now Nick Martin (ankle) out for the season and with LT Duane Brown (quad) a candidate to start the year on the PUP list, but they did a solid job in the third preseason game outside of new C Greg Mancz giving up a sack on an A-gap blitz. RB Lamar Miller couldn’t get anything going with just 4 yards on 4 carries, but he did score on a 1-yard plunge on their opening drive. The Texans used electric rookie Tyler Ervin as their second back, carrying 2 times for 13 yards – he had 11-yard run – and adding a 20-yard reception. He also gave the offense good field position with a 58-yard kick return. Ervin worked ahead of Alfred Blue, who posted 6/17 rushing in his first preseason action.

Jaguars 26 | Bengals 21

Jaguars Overview

Players of note who did not play: K Jason Myers

The Jags first-team off got off to a shaky start, thanks to penalties and a fumble by T.J. Yeldon. It wasn’t a spectacular performance from QB Blake Bortles, but he managed to get the offense on track and find his two favorite targets on occasion, including a beautiful dart to Allen Hurns for 18 yards on a 3rd-and-11. WR Allen Robinson caught both of his targets, though only for 10 yards.

Despite having a quiet night, RB Chris Ivory is secured as a short-yardage guy to complement T.J. Yeldon. Ivory saw just one target—a screen pass that went for 6 yards, while Yeldon would probably like to forget his receiving performances, 2/-2 on 3 targets, including a screen pass that he fumbled away, but is looking like he’ll improve in his sophomore season, carrying the rock 5 times for 34 yards and an impressive 6.8 YPC. He also did see some snaps inside the 10, which normally might be Ivory’s role.

Bengals Overview

WR A.J. Green suffered a bone bruise after banging nees with Jags CB Davon House, but added afterwards that he’s “fine.” It initially looked like an ankle tweak, so the knee bruise is much more manageable.

The Jeremy Hill–Giovani Bernard tandem looks to be back in form from a pretty disappointing 2015—at least on Hill’s part. Hill still doesn’t have a good YPC but got all the goal-line work, though it took him four tries to punch it in. He added a 28-yard reception on a screen pass which is encouraging, but it was Gio who came through with a receiving TD—a 19-yard tunnel screen. We can expect this duo to retain the same roles from the past two years even if Bernard gets some increased work, and Hill is looking like he’ll have a bounceback year. On Hill’s long reception and Bernard’s TD, they had excellent blocking ahead of them.

WR Tyler Boyd played behind veteran WR Brandon LaFell and was only involved in three wide sets, seeing one target and catching it for 9 yards, but he’ll start out the season in the slot and it shouldn’t take long for him to pass LaFell.

Ravens 30 | Lions 9

Lions Overview

Players of note who did not play: None of note.

RB Ameer Abdullah started and saw his first action of the preseason after returning to contact drills a week earlier off his off-season shoulder surgery. Abdullah finished with 4/16 rushing before giving way to Theo Riddick (3/35 rushing, 1/7 receiving) in the second quarter, who got most of his yardage on a 34-yard run. Zach Zenner (3/13 rushing) played in the third quarter, ahead of rookie Dwayne Washington (3/2 rushing).

The woes of the first-team offense continued in the third preseason game, as they’ve now scored just 9 points in nine possessions with QB Matthew Stafford (14/23 for 95 yards and 1 INT) on the field. He looked sharp in the first two preseason game, but he threw a bad INT trying to force a pass over the middle to Anquan Boldin (3/22 receiving on 5 targets) and he averaged a miserable 4.1 YPA. Stafford was sacked two times in the first half, but the offensive line – and rookie LT Taylor Decker in particular – played a little better overall.

The usually sure-handed Golden Tate (3/29 receiving on 5 targets) has battled drops in training camp, and he bobbled away his first look of the game. As has been the case for the most of August, Marvin Jones (3/25 receiving on 6 targets) has been the most featured WR in the offense, and Stafford went his way twice in the red zone but the two couldn’t connect.

The Ravens looked to have a lot of depth at tight end this summer, but that depth is being seriously tested now. Starting TE Ben Watson suffered a torn Achilles in the third preseason game, and he’ll obviously miss the rest of the season. It’s a huge blow to this group that only has a healthy Crockett Gillmore (1/2 receiving on 1 target) at their disposal right now. Maxx Williams has missed a good chunk of camp with an undisclosed injury, and Dennis Pitta has missed almost all of camp with a broken finger. They also have Nick Boyle (10 games) and Darren Waller (4 games) set to miss time because of suspensions. Williams, a 2015 second-round pick, is the most talented player remaining in this group, and if he can get healthy, he’ll have the best chance of emerging for fantasy.

With Steve Smith (Achilles) and Breshad Perriman (ACL) sitting out, Mike Wallace and Kamar Aiken started in Joe Flacco’s first action since Week 11 of 2015. Wallace was Flacco’s favorite target, drawing 6 looks and finishing with 3/37 receiving, while Aiken finished with 2/24 receiving on 3 targets. Flacco finished 11/16 for 94 yards in two series of action, as he dinked and dunked passes for a 5.9 YPA average. He did overthrow Wallace on a ball down the sideline, in which Wallace a had a step on the defender.

The Ravens are blowing ahead with their four-man rotation at running back. Justin Forsett once again led the group and finished with just 2/1 rushing and 2/14 receiving. Rookie RB Kenneth Dixon actually came in second and ran well with 6/41 rushing and 1/9 receiving, but unfortunately he suffered what the Ravens are calling a sprained knee. Terrance West (7/43 rushing) got some short-yardage work with the first team, but he primarily played with second-team unit. It looks like Buck Allen (8/15 rushing, 4/17 receiving) is the low man on the totem pole entering the season, as he didn’t see a touch until the third quarter.

LT Ronnie Stanley has passed every test this preseason, not allowing a sack in three games, and he more than held his own against one of the league’s better pass rushers Ziggy Ansah on Saturday night.

Eagles 33 | Colts 23

Eagles Overview

This was an impressive showing from the Eagles from top to bottom. QB Sam Bradford was extremely sharp, going 17/20 for 167 yards and 2 TDs. His first score was a beautifully thrown fade pattern to Dorial Green-Beckham, who got a lot of run with the Eagles’ first team. The second was an easy 3-yard pitch and catch to TE Trey Burton, one of the camp stars for the Eagles. Of Bradford’s three incompletions, one was on another fade pattern when DGB just seemed to stop running, and another…

Was Bradford’s lone interception, which goes down in the stat sheet as on him, but it was squarely on WR Nelson Agholor. Bradford threw a dart to a cutting Agholor, who let it bounce off his hands and into the air for an easy pick for Darius Butler. It was Agholor’s only target. If Agholor wasn’t a first-round pick a year ago and would cost significant money to release, we may well be talking about him getting his pink slip in the next week. He’s had a terrible camp, with really the only positives we’ve seen come as a downfield blocker.

Speaking of Eagle WRs, Josh Huff had a huge game, and seems to have solidified a roster spot. Huff caught both of his targets for 60 yards, showing excellent burst after the catch, and he also had a 9-yard TD run on a jet sweep. Coach Doug Pederson used Huff in unique ways (kind of like De’Anthony Thomas), something Chip Kelly failed to do, which is surprising considering he coached him at Oregon.

It would be surprising if Rueben Randle made the club. Randle was buried on the depth chart, playing behind DGB, Huff, Agholor, and UDFA Paul Turner. The Eagles seem likely to keep only five WRs, which would put Randle out of a job when Jordan Matthews returns.

Eagle rookie RB Wendell Smallwood made his preseason debut after nursing a quad injury, and looked good, showing burst while gaining 16 yards on 3 offensive touches, while also impressing in the return game. Unfortunately, he left with a feared concussion after a pretty violent collision.

All in all, the Eagles controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides. Their offensive and defensive lines dominated this game.

Colts Overview

This was not a good game for the Colts. The Eagles completely owned the line of scrimmage, meaning the Colt RBs had nowhere to run, and more importantly, QB Andrew Luck got hit a ton. Luck actually played pretty well, going 13/18 for 134 yards. But he was sacked 3 times, and hit even more.

Most depressing of all, Luck’s thin offensive line suffered a massive blow, when LG Jack Mewhort went down with what is feared to be a torn ACL. The line had been at least decent heading into this game, but it got dominated by Philly and lost one of its best players for the season.

At the least, the Colt WRs were impressive. Breakout candidate Donte Moncrief posted 6/58 receiving on 7 targets, while T.Y. Hilton posted 3/38 on 5 targets. The Colts actually opened with 3 WRs on the field, including second-year man Phillip Dorsett, who had 3/49 on 5 targets.

It looks like hyped UDFA Josh Ferguson is going to make this team despite a mediocre preseason. Ferguson had just 5/4 rushing in this one, but also added 3/28 in the passing game. The problem is he’s been very poor in pass protection, which means he’s still behind Robert Turbin for the #2 job. Turbin had 4/24 rushing and 1/6 receiving in this one. Starter Frank Gore carried 4 times for 6 yards with very little room to run.

Broncos 17 | Rams 9

Broncos Overview

Trevor Siemian seems to have locked down the starting QB job over Mark Sanchez who did not play in this game and rookie Paxton Lynch (6/13/57). He completed 10 of 17 passes for 122 yards with one TD and one interception – but the interception hit Cody Latimer in the hands so it wasn’t entirely his fault. It was a slow start for Siemian as the Broncos punted on their first three drives of the game but he did some good things including a spot-on throw to Demaryius Thomas down the right sideline for a 43-yard gain and a perfectly executed play-fake and 1-yard TD toss to TE Virgil Green in the second quarter.

C.J. Anderson rushed 11 times for 50 yards in this game. He left briefly to get treated for a cut but returned. He finishes the preseason with 19/88/1 (4.63 YPC).

Davontae Booker was the first RB in off the bench and he did mix in with the first team early in this one. He carried eight times for 13 yards and also caught a pass for 17 yards. He’s clearly the handcuff for Anderson.

Demaryius Thomas was targeted heavily by Siemian and led the team with 4 catches for 63 yards.

Emmanuel Sanders caught 3 of 4 targets for 45 yards.

Cody Latimer, who appeared to have won the #3 WR job, left this game with a potentially serious knee injury. He has an MRI scheduled for Sunday August 28th.

Virgil Green caught all 3 of his targets for 14 yards and a TD. His long was only 8 yards. The injuries to Heuerman have paved the way for Green to dominate the TE snaps early in the year.

Rams Overview

Players of note that did not play: Todd Gurley (rest)

Case Keenum started for the third straight game and outplayed Jared Goff for the third straight game, going 8-of-12 for 77 yards and leading the team to 6 points in 4 series. He took a shot from Aqib Talib as he scrambled and attempted to get out of bounds but he was OK. Keenum has completed 18-of-24 for 188 yards and a TD this preseason.

Jared Goff managed to complete just 4 of his 12 pass attempts against the Broncos but his receivers didn’t do him any favors. He eventually left with a bruised tailbone and will start the regular season as the Rams #2 QB.

Benny Cunningham (6/22) started in place of Gurley and is the clear handcuff at this point. He should also play a role in the passing game although he was not targeted as a receiver in this game.

Tavon Austin was only targeted once in this game but he signed a huge 4-year contract extension earlier in the day indicating the Rams are expecting big things from him on the heels of his 9-TD 2015 campaign. He’s still a relatively cheap WR you can grab as your #4 100+ picks in to your drafts.

Rookie Pharoh Cooper started the game as the Rams #3 WR but Brian Quick mixed in with the first team as well. Neither one of them should be on your drfat day cheat sheet behind Austin and Kenny Britt.

Titans 27 | Raiders 14

Titans Overview

Players of note who did not play: WR Kendall Wright, CB Perrish Cox

The Titans ran the no-huddle on the opening drive, which led to a touchdown.

QB Marcus Mariota didn’t look sharp early, and his 60-yard pass to WR Tajae Sharp probably should have been intercepted by Raider CB Sean Smith. Mariota played the entire first half and finished with 9/16 for 170 yards, while also adding 3/20 rushing. Mariota showcased his agility, burst, and awareness on a 13-yard rushing play, lateralling the ball to Harry Douglas for an extra 8 yards in the first quarter.

Believe it or not, WR Andre Johnson proved his worth, catching three balls on the team’s second drive of the game. He led all Titan receivers in this game with 3/65 receiving. The lack of gusto is quite evident in this WR corps, as WR Rishard Matthews caught just one of two targets for 19 yards, and Sharpe’s 60-yard reception was his only one (out of four targets).

Once again, both RB Derrick Henry and RB DeMarco Murray looked good on the ground game, each one converting a short-yardage situation by the goal line to a TD. Murray rushed eight times for 40 yards and a 5.0 YPC while Henry rushed twelve times for 49 yards and a 4.1 YPC.

TE Delanie Walker left the game in the first quarter, but HC Mike Mularkey said after the game he was feeling fine.

Raiders Overview

Players of note who did not play: FB Marcel Reece

Rookie RB DeAndre Washington was the premiere back tonight and he didn’t disappoint, just like we thought he wouldn’t, finishing with 8/55 rushing for a 6.9 YPC. He caught all three of his targets, one of which went for a 6-yard score in the first quarter. He did, however, lose a fumble on a screen pass from backup QB Matt McGloin. Washington got drilled upon gaining possession of the ball, losing the football and going down hard. The fumble was returned for a TD.

Amari Cooper’s 29-yard TD reception in the second quarter was a beauty, getting separation from his defender at the last second. QB Derek Carr placed the ball perfectly in the back of the end zone but still in a spot where Cooper was able to keep both of his feet in.

Cooper’s counterpart, Michael Crabtree, saw four targets but only caught one of them (albeit for a 45-yard reception down the sideline).

Starting RB Latavius Murray saw two carries that went for a combined zero yards, though he did catch two of three targets for 19 yards. Rookie RB Jalen Richard performed well next to Washington, posting a 7/35 rushing and 2/19 receiving stat line, and HC Jack Del Rio said after the game Murray’s reduced role isn’t indicative of how he will be using the backs in the regular season.

Giants 21 | Jets 20

Giants Overview

QB Eli Manning had a horrendous showing, but he was constantly under pressure. He finished the game 10/15 for just 65 yards and a pick. The lone pick was intended for Odell Beckham but picked off by Darrelle Revis. OBJ caught just one of four targets for 8 yards. Still, this will be one of the more lethal QB-WR connections in the NFL this year.

The rushing game was also a bit pale for the Giants in the third preseason game. Shane Vereen led the team in rushing with 6/11 while rookie Paul Perkins tallied 4/8 and projected starter Rashad Jennings lost a yard on 6 carries. Between the rushing game and Manning’s pressure, it seemed to be more a case of the Jets’ defensive intensity rather than an authentically anemic Giant offense. Even so, all signs point to Jennings leading the backfield in rushing with Vereen seeing most of the action on passing downs. Vereen caught both of his targets for 18 yards.

Vying for the TE position, Will Tye caught 2 passes for -2 yards and Larry Donnell caught one of his two targets for 8 yards.

Jets Overview

The Jets’ defense came up with a punt block on the Giants’ first possession of the game, recovered at the Giants 15-yard line. The offense couldn’t capitalize, however, as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was sacked and fumbled just a few plays later.

RB Matt Forte’s debut with the Jets didn’t go exactly as planned, putting up a 2.8 YPC with 10/28 rushing. He did, however, look to be 100% and was in on plenty of passing plays, catching two of three targets for 9 yards.

RB Bilal Powell caught all three of his targets for 16 yards and posted a 4/18 rushing stat line.

Eric Decker caught a back shoulder pass with a defender right on him from Fitzpatrick and practically dragged the defender into the end zone with him. It was his only reception (5 targets) of the game, but he made it count. With WR Brandon Marshall out, the receptions were split up among 13 pass-catchers, led by UDFA Robby Anderson with 4/65/1 receiving on 9 targets. Anderson’s 10-yard TD reception came from backup QB Christian Hackenberg.

Chiefs 23 | Bears 7

Chiefs Overview

With RBs Jamaal Charles and Charcandrick West out, Spencer Ware also continues to score and catch passes, though his YPC isn’t that reputable (2.7 in the third game—9/24 rushing). He caught all four of his targets for 26 yards. He appeared to be stopped on his TD run, but a second effort and push from the offensive line put him through.

Though WR Jeremy Maclin led the team in targets with 7 targets, WR Chris Conley was also active again and he’s clearly someone who will be a bigger factor as a starter in 2016, catching 2 of 5 passes for 30 yards.

QB Alex Smith looks ready to go for the season, completing 20 of 30 passes for 181 yards. He also added 25 yards rushing, including an impressive scramble for a first down on a 3rd-and-14 in the first quarter.

Fifth-round pick WR Tyreek Hill, who is an intriguing prospect, saw some work out of the backfield but made a big splash on a 58-yard reception on which he had to stop short and come back for the ball. He’s a nice playmaker for Smith to have outside of the big names.

Bears Overview

The Bears had to play without RG Kyle Long, so their OL was a mess compared to last year’s unit, and Jay Cutler and the offense couldn’t get much going. He was pressured, hurried and even strip-sacked by Dontari Poe on the final play of the first half.

RB Jeremy Langford had a nice 10-yard run early, but he managed just 7 yards on 5 other carries.

In the first half, the Bears ran 18 plays. The total of those plays? 20 yards.

Rookie RB Jordan Howard came in late once again and totaled just 8 yards on 4 carries. He’s not in contention for some serious snaps yet, and it’ll be Ka’Deem Carey being worked in with Langford, though Carey finished with just 4/9 rushing. Kevin White had 4 targets but he continues to show next to nothing this summer. It’s a long season, but White can’t be relied on until he shows something. Jeffery had a big drop, but he’s at least been active this summer as clearly the go-to guy.

Meanwhile, with Royal, Wilson, Thompson and Miller out, the top targets were WRs Josh Bellamy (5/38 on 8 targets) and Cameron Meredith (4/64/1 on 8 targets).

Rookie Daniel Braverman caught both of his targets for 16 yards.

Redskins 21 | Bills 16

Redskins Overview

At this point, it’d be a big surprise if Washington didn’t sign a veteran RB. Top two backs Matt Jones (shoulder) and Chris Thompson (undisclosed) sat this game out, while rookie Keith Marshall left after just 1 carry with a sprained elbow. There is no word yet on the severity of Marshall’s injury, but it’s obviously hurting his chances to make this team. Marshall didn’t start – that was UDFA Rob Kelley, who has come out of nowhere after being relatively unproductive at Tulane (he was a solid receiver, at least), while also dealing with off-field issues. Kelley carried 12 times for 51 yards, while Mack Brown ran 11 times for 43 yards. For now, Kelley has to be considered the #3.

It was an interesting game for QB Kirk Cousins. Cousins went just 12/23 passing, but it was for 188 yards and 3 TDs, with an INT. His TDs went to fantasy’s forgotten man Pierre Garcon (2/24/1), Ryan Grant (1/38/1), and star TE Jordan Reed (2/28/1), all in the second quarter. Cousins’ pick was an excellent play by Buffalo DB Corey White, who fought off intended receiver Rashad Ross. Keep in mind that this came against a Bill defense that was resting a good number of projected starters. Still, Cousins seems primed for a pretty big year, as he has one of the NFL’s most diverse and deepest sets of weapons.

Bills Overview

Buffalo did not treat this game as a regular-season dress rehearsal. Coach Rex Ryan rested most of his starting defense, plus starters RB LeSean McCoy and TE Charles Clay on the offensive side of the ball.

QB Tyrod Taylor did play, but he went just 2/5 for 11 yards before being removed from the action. Instead, EJ Manuel played almost the entire game, with Cardale Jones not taking a snap. Manuel went 21/39 for 221 yards and an interception.

There wasn’t a whole lot to glean for this game for the Bills, except perhaps the backfield rotation. As expected with McCoy inactive, Reggie Bush started and posted 3/17 rushing. Also getting time with the first team was rookie Jonathan Williams, who is clearly primed to make the team following the release of Karlos Williams. For most of the night, Williams struggled to find room to run, though early in the third quarter, he found a big hole up the gut and broke a couple tackles en route to a 37-yard TD. However, he gained just 5 yards on his other 10 carries, and finished with an 11/42/1 line.

Behind Williams, Dan Herron worked in and impressed, with 5/17 rushing and 5/49 receiving. He was second on the club in receiving behind…

WR Walt Powell. Powell finished with 55 yards and 5 receptions on 10 targets, while also adding a long punt return. Powell is a lock to make the Bills’ roster, flashing his explosive ability in both the return game and as a receiver. He’s impressed multiple Bill beat writers this summer.

Patriots 19 | Panthers 17

Patriots Overview

Players of note who did not play: Rob Gronkowski (rest)

Chris Hogan’s role in the Pats’ offense is still very unclear the season, but he was excellent Friday night against the Panthers. Granted, it is early, but Hogan caught two early targets on New England’s opening drive and Tom Brady hit him on a perfect 33-yard score in the 2nd quarter. With the addition of Martellus Bennett and mainstays of Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski, Hogan is not guaranteed a weekly role in the Pats’ attack. However, if he continues to progress, there is room for much more. Hogan is a good dart in the 14th-plus rounds of drafts.

Granted, it is just preseason, but Jimmy Garoppolo has targeted a Pats’ running back or fullback on 27.5 percent of his throws this preseason. Tom Brady has targeted a back on 18.3 percent of his attempts over the past three seasons. Garoppolo check-downs only help James White’s fantasy appeal until Brady comes back from his four-game suspension.

Even though he is well behind James White, LeGarrette Blount and Dion Lewis (when he returns), Tyler Gaffney is a running back to keep stashed in your mind this season. A sixth-rounder out of Stanford in 2014, Gaffney has received first-team usage this preseason after missing his rookie year and 2015 season due to a knee injury. Keep him on re-draft radars this fall.

Panthers Overview

Players of note who did not play: Greg Olsen (rest)

Cam Newton and company struggled against the Patriots. Throwing for only 100 yards and giving away two interceptions on 29 attempts, Newton and the Panthers’ first-team offense limped along all night. Better days are ahead.

Perhaps most notably, Devin Funchess was the Panthers’ leading receiver (5-49) against New England. Funchess has been behind Kelvin Benjamin and Ted Ginn Jr. in two wide receiver sets all preseason long. Carolina has multiple base-sets on offense with typically only two wide receivers on the field. Funchess may struggle to see a healthy amount of snaps early on to the start the year, but he can play himself into a bigger role.

Buccaneers 30 | Browns 13

Buccaneers Overview

Players of note who did not play: None

The only fantasy relevant camp battle going on in Tampa is for the Bucs’ starting TE job. After losing his gig to Cameron Brate in July, it seems Austin Seferian-Jenkins has regained his starting role. He was the Bucs’ starting TE on their opening drive while Brate did not see a target all night. Seferian-Jenkins did not have a monster night against the Browns, but his usage is very clear. He will likely be the Bucs’ Week 1 starter at tight end.

Browns Overview

Players of note who did not play: None

Josh Gordon is back. Cleveland has the most vacant targets heading into the 2016 season (247), but their offensive structure is fairly undetermined with Gordon, Corey Coleman, Gary Barnidge and Duke Johnson in tow. Gordon has top-24 wide receiver upside, but will miss the opening four games of the season (suspension) and new HC Hue Jackson is typically run-heavy.

Speaking of the Browns’ receivers, Corey Coleman saw his first preseason action after dealing with a balky hamstring during most of August. He saw two targets, but failed to secure either one. He’ll be a fantasy WR4 heading into Week 1 without Gordon present.

In expected fashion Duke Johnson and Isaiah Crowell continued to share the Browns’ backfield in their third preseason game. Unless one of the backs gets injured, we can expect a 55/45 or 50/50 split in snaps per game between the two heading into the regular season.

Steelers 27 | Saints 14

Steelers Overview

Besides Antonio Brown (4/87/1 receiving on 4 targets) reminding us that he’s the #1 fantasy player for a reason, the Steelers finally gave us a little clarity into their WR pecking order heading into the season with a full stable of receivers for the third preseason game. Markus Wheaton (2/40 on 3 targets) started on the outside across from AB, with second-year WR Eli Rogers (2/17 on 4 targets) starting out of the slot. Sammie Coates (2/66/1 on 2 targets) appears to be the odd man out, at least for the start of the year, but he played well against the Saints with an 8-yard TD and a 56-yard reception with backup Landry Jones.

QB Ben Roethlisberger looked sharp in his first preseason action, carving up the porous Saint defense for 2 TDs in two series. With Bell out three games and Martavis Bryant suspended for the year, we’re a little concerned about Ben’s weapons heading into the season, but he eased some of our worries with a strong performance against the Saints.

RB Le’Veon Bell saw his first game action since last November and, of course, we won’t see him again until Oct. 2 when the Steelers take on the Chiefs in Week 4. He returned – and left for that matter – on a high note, running 3 times for 21 yards and looking great in the passing game with 5/37 receiving on 5 targets. He clearly had more juice than his replacement at the beginning of the year DeAngelo Williams (4/12 rushing, 3/9 receiving), who rotated with Bell on the first team.

With TE Ladarius Green essentially in the wind, second-year TE Jesse James flashed in his first action with Big Ben, hauling in 4/25/1 receiving on 5 targets. He scored on a 5-yard pass, improvising and showing some chemistry with Roethlisberger after his QB started to break the pocket.

DE Cameron Heyward left Friday’s game with a high-ankle sprain, which would be a big blow if he missed significant time. He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ed Bouchette that he’ll be ready for Week 1, but we’ll have to see where he’s at in two weeks.

RT Marcus Gilbert left the game in the second quarter with an elbow injury, and he has been dealing with a shoulder injury in training camp.

Saints Overview

Players of note who did not play: None of note.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune Larry Holder raised some eyebrows with his observations that free-agent signee Coby Fleener has struggled catching passes and getting on the same page with Drew Brees in training camp. The Saints appear to be sticking with Fleener, as he was the starter with the first team in the third preseason game and had 1/4 receiving on 4 targets. He also had a 26-yard catch in traffic down the field negated by a holding call. Fleener is still looking like a boom-or-bust selection at this point because he has a top-five TE ceiling and a rock-bottom floor.

WR Brandin Cooks (1/10 receiving on 1 target) is a sexy second-round pick and rookie WR Michael Thomas (1/23 on 1 target) grabbed all the early camp headlines, leaving Willie Snead to slide under the radar. He was easily QB Drew Brees’ (9/12 for 78 yards and 1 TD) favorite target against the Steelers, posting 4/58/1 on 4 targets, including an acrobatic 17-yard TD catch down the seam playing out of the slot.

Thomas has cooled off a bit since his hot start to training camp, but he’s now clearly ahead of Brandon Coleman and he’ll get some time with the first-team offense to start the year. Tiny UDFA WR Tommylee Lewis – who checks in at 5’7”, 168 pounds – continues to make some noise with 2/41/1 receiving with the second team Friday night. The presence of Thomas and Lewis could make Coleman expendable come cut time.

The Saints rotated Mark Ingram (7/17 rushing, 1 target) and C.J. Spiller (4/20 rushing, 3/-1 receiving) with the first team. It looks like the Saints are giving Spiller another chance to make an impact this season, but some conspiracy theorists think they could be trying to create a trade market for him. Spiller burned everyone last season, but he might worth a look late in PPR drafts if you are willing to forgive him.

RB Travaris Cadet (4/24 rushing, 4/42 receiving) worked as the third RB and is likely the backup to Spiller at this point. Meanwhile, Tim Hightower (8/27 rushing, 1/8 receiving) was the fourth RB through the rotation and is likely the backup to Ingram at this point. RBs Daniel Lasco (1/4 rushing, 2/12 receiving) and Marcus Murphy (1/16 rushing, 3/9 receiving) both suffered head injuries.

We ranked the Saints highly on our “Offensive Line Previews,” but the group hasn’t had the best preseason – much like the rest of this offense. HC Sean Payton called the group out after the game saying that the pass protection needs to get better and that they’re still looking to find their group. The guard spots are their biggest weaknesses right now, with 2015 first-round pick Andrus Peat still struggling in his second season.

Packers 21 | 49ers 10

Packers Overview

Players of note that did not play: Jordy Nelson (knee), Jeff Janis (hand)

Aaron Rodgers (6 of 9 for 60/1) looked like Aaron Rodgers in his only preseason appearance. He was in for the first two drives of the game including a 14-play, 87-yard scoring drive capped off by a 6-yard TD toss to Randall Cobb.

Eddie Lacy (7/45) looked good once again and fantasy owners are gaining confidence in him as a late 2nd-round or early 3rd-round pick. He totaled 114 yards on 20 carries (5.7 YPC) with 1 TD this preseason.

Randall Cobb caught all 3 of his targets from Rodgers for 30 yards and a TD as the San Francisco defense had no answers for him coming out of the slot.

Jordy Nelson took part in pregame warm ups for the second game in a row but did not play and will not play until Week One of the regular season.

Davante Adams (1/8 on 4 targets) worked as a starter opposite Cobb. He continued to struggle with drops as he was unable to secure a bomb from backup QB Joe Callahan.

Jared Abbrederis caught a 3rd-quarter TD from Callahan and it’s looking like he has a real chance to unseat Adams as Green Bay’s #3 WR at some point.

Jared Cook out-snapped Richard Rodgers while Aaron Rodgers was in the game 19 to 7. He caught 4 of 5 targets on the night for 54 yards.

49ers Overview

After finishing with more than 400 yards of offense in each of their first two preseason games, the 49ers managed just 195 total yards against the Packers and got dominated in time of possession.

Blaine Gabbert (2/3 for 14 yards) will likely be the 49ers Week One starter but hasn’t shown all that much this preseason. He did lead the 49ers on their only TD-drive of the night against the Packers first-team defense.

Colin Kaepernick played three series resulting in just 1 first down and 3 punts. He looked rusty and completed just 2 of his 6 passes for 14 yards. He ran 4 times for 18 yards as he was quick to leave the pocket when his first read was covered.

Carlos Hyde had a nice 27-yard run in this game but managed just 3 yards on his other 3 carries and had his night end early with a concussion. He’ll be placed in the league’s concussion protocol and we’ll have to monitor his status for Week One.

Bruce Ellington, who has been talked up quite a bit this summer, left with a hamstring injury. He’s got an opportunity to potentially play a high-volume role in this passing game but he can’t seem to stay healthy (ankle, hamstring).

Quinton Patton scored on a 3-yard lateral in the 1st-quarter. With Torrey Smith invisible (1 target in 3 games this preseason) and the rest of the San Francisco WR core looking like a MASH unit right now, Patton may be someone who surprises for fantasy early in the year.

Vance McDonald led the team in targets with 4 although he only managed to catch one of them. He’s looking like someone who could be a sneaky value in the late rounds as a Mr. Relevant.

Dolphins 17 | Falcons 6

Dolphins Overview

The Dolphins’ offense looked pretty good on Thursday night. While the numbers weren’t the greatest for QB Ryan Tannehill (20/29, 155 yards, 1 INT; 2/22 rushing), he looked to be in very good command of Adam Gase’s offense. We have to remember that Gase got the best out of Jay Cutler last year, and Gase’s offense by nature shows trust in the passer. Tannehill made a strong pre-snap read on one occasion, and audibled to a throw to Kenny Stills, an accurate ball. It was Tannehill’s most impressive play of the game, and it’s not outrageous to think he could have some post-hype success this year, now with Gase. He still needs to clean up some mistakes though; his INT was an ill-advised throw tipped by a lineman.

Speaking of Stills, he’s still running in 2-WR sets ahead of DeVante Parker, though it may not be a huge issue considering the Dolphins will likely run 3-WR sets most of the time. That said, he’s had arguably the most impressive preseason of a possible contributor that no one is really talking about. Stills went for 4/46 receiving on 6 targets against the Falcons, and has shown very good chemistry with Tannehill. He seems to have been rejuvenated under Gase.

The Dolphin backfield was a little bit more impressive against Atlanta than it has been during the rest of the preseason. For the third straight game, Jay Ajayi was the starter for Miami, but posted just 7/11 rushing and 2/12 receiving while playing 19 snaps. Meanwhile, Arian Foster worked in with the first team as well, and posted 5/10/1 rushing and 2/20 receiving. He played 13 snaps. To us, Foster still looks like he lacks burst, but he still has a feel for the position, and the Dolphins clearly want to trust him on third downs and in goal-line situations – his TD run was of the 2-yard variety, when he cut back against the grain to find room. The Dolphins also got a TD run late from Damien Williams (5/17/1). Fourth-string RB Isaiah Pead left with what looks like a minor hamstring injury. The fact of the matter is we don’t have all the answers here, not by a long shot.

Dolphin TE Jordan Cameron started but caught just 1 of his 4 targets. He continues to struggle with drops, and is likely playing his way out of a starting job, if not off the roster entirely.

Falcons Overview

Players of note who did not play: DE Dwight Freeney (back), K Matt Bryant (tightness)

The Falcon offense continues to struggle. Matt Ryan had the worst year of his career in 2015, his first under OC Kyle Shanahan. He hasn’t been much better this preseason. Against the Dolphins, Ryan posted 12/22 passing for 129 yards and a pick, which was, like too many of his picks last year, with the Falcons driving in for a score. We’ve had Ryan buried in our projections and have been looking for a reason to move him up, but he’s completed just 49% of his passes this preseason. There’s no reason to move him above the mid-20s.

WR Julio Jones caught 1 pass for 17 yards on 2 targets. He appeared to tweak his foot or ankle on his second target, and he didn’t play after the “injury,” but he was interviewed on the sidelines after leaving the game and it appears it’s nothing to worry about. We’d be more concerned with the play of Ryan, though Julio caught 136 passes in Ryan’s worst year ever last year.

We didn’t get a great look at the Falcon backfield. Devonta Freeman started and posted 5/8 rushing and 2/10 receiving, while Tevin Coleman also saw a lot of work with the first team and had just 3/6 rushing and 1/-5 receiving. There are obviously reasons to be concerned that Freeman’s workload is going down, as the Falcons appear to be force-feeding Coleman snaps with the first team, but Coleman certainly hasn’t looked good enough to suggest Freeman will lose serious work.

Falcon rookie TE Austin Hooper paced the team with 5 catches, on which he recorded 50 yards. However, Hooper also coughed up a fumble at the end of his longest reception of the day, a 23-yarder. Hooper has a lot to work on, but he should earn rotational work behind veteran Jacob Tamme.

It appears a near lock that deep threat Aldrick Robinson will make the Falcons’ roster. He posted 3/70 receiving in this one, including a 36-yarder from Ryan. He may well be the #3 receiver behind Jones and Mohamed Sanu.

There was a scary moment for Atlanta when rookie S Keanu Neal went down with what looked like a non-contact knee injury, but he didn’t feel it was serious after the game. We’ll monitor his status.

Falcon K Shayne Graham drilled a 53-yard FG in this one. He may well make the team over injured veteran Matt Bryant.

Seahawks 27 | Cowboys 17

Cowboys Overview

Oh boy, the concerns about Tony Romo’s durability aren’t going away anytime soon. Romo went down in a heap just three snaps into his only preseason action, exiting with what looked like yet another serious back injury after getting crumbled up from behind by Cliff Avril. Romo – and Dez Bryant owners – dodged a bullet when he came out of the injury just fine, as he didn’t even need an X-ray or an MRI on his back. Romo should be more than ready to play in Week 1, but this scare is just another reminder of how fragile Romo is at this point in his career. Draft Romo and Dez at your own peril.

At least rookie QB Dak Prescott continued his impressive run during the preseason, completing 17/23 passes for 116 yards and 1 TD. He’s been one of the best preseason stories, as he now sits at 39/50 passing for 454 yards, 2 TDs, and 0 INTs, while adding 7/53/2 rushing. He’s sown up the backup job, and he better be ready to play after watching Romo’s scare against the Seahawks.

While Romo scared the hell out of every Cowboy fan, rookie RB Ezekiel Elliott got those same fans excited for the potential of this running game. He carried 7 times for 48 yards, looking quick and decisive on runs between the tackles and getting to the second level with runs of 9, 9, and 13 yards. And as he showed in college, Elliott looked like a seasoned pro in pass protection, including an impressive block on the play that Romo got hurt on. All in all, it was in impressive professional debut. Check it out for yourself. All Elliott needs to do just is make better decisions off the field. TMZ reported that he visited a marijuana dispensary before the game, although he didn’t buy or smoke any marijuana, which is obviously a banned substance by the league.

Backup RB Alfred Morris has also played well in the preseason, as he posted 5/17 rushing and 2/11 receiving playing after Elliott. Morris, who has actually looked decent as a receiver, is looking like the handcuff for Elliott at this point with Darren McFadden (elbow) potentially starting the season on the NFI list.

Seahawks Overview

QB Russell Wilson looked more than ready for the start of the regular season, completing 16/21 passes for 192 yards and 2 TDs. The highlight of the night came in the third quarter on his ridiculous 9-yard TD pass to Tyler Lockett (3/41/1 receiving on 3 targets) when he held onto the ball for 9 seconds before unloading the pass.

Wilson got his other top WRs involved with Doug Baldwin finishing with 4/29 receiving on a team-high 6 targets and Jermaine Kearse posting 3/32 receiving on 4 targets. According to Pro Football Focus’ Nathan Jahnke, Kearse actually out-snapped Lockett 21-10 in the first half, which suggests that Kearse is still ahead of Lockett in 2-WR sets. Lockett actually played the same number of snaps in the first half as 2014 second-round WR Paul Richardson (2/19/1 receiving on 3 targets), who scored on 8-yard crossing route. If Richardson can stay healthy, he could stay in the rotation and complicate this WR rotation for Lockett and Kearse.

With Thomas Rawls (ankle) once again out of the lineup, Christine Michael once again handled most of the first-team snaps, carrying 7 times for 58 yards (8.3 YPC). Most of his production came with the first-team offense in the second half after posting 4/11 in the first half. After missing most of training camp with a hamstring injury, third-round RB C.J. Prosise made his debut with 4/23 rushing, working as the third-down back behind Michael. It’s not like Rawls or Michael are great in the passing game, so Prosise took a big step forward to winning the third-down role just by playing in the preseason. Fifth-round RB Alex Collins (3/19 rushing) is squarely on the roster bubble, as he played after George Farmer (1/9 rushing, 1/2 receiving).

According to the Seattle Times, the Seahawks put TE Jimmy Graham through a rigorous pre-game workout, with sprints and full-pad participation in the pre-game warmup – the first time he’s been in full pads since his patellar tendon injury last November.

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PRESEASON WEEK 2

Ravens 19 | Colts 18

Ravens Overview

Joe Flacco did not play again this week although he has been practicing in full. The team is targeting their third preseason game for Flacco’s debut. Ryan Mallett and Josh Johnson, the team’s #2 and #3 QBs respectively each threw for a score in Flacco’s absence.

The RB situation seems as muddled as ever after this game. Starter Justin Forsett gained just 11 yards on five carries. Buck Allen (4/14, 2/0) was the second back in, while preseason darling Terrance West (9/33, 2/28) and rookie Kenneth Dixon (7/22, 1/12) finished up. No Ravens RB had a carry go for more than 9 yards in this game.

Kamar Aiken (1/14/1) started at WR along with Mike Wallace who did not have a target here in his preseason debut.

Ben Watson started at TE but did not see any targets.

Colts Overview

Players of note that did not play: T.Y. Hillton (hamstring), Robert Mathis (rest), Vontae Davis (ankle)

Andrew Luck played his first NFL football since November and he completed all 8 of his passes for 71 yards, leading the Colts on two long scoring drives. The offensive lined played well here keeping him upright. He managed not to take any big hits even though he scrambled twice for 12 yards and HC Chuck Pagano remarked after the game that the greatest thing Luck did in the game was “get his ass on the ground when he needed to”. Scott Tolzien and Stephen Morris both played well in relief of Luck.

Frank Gore started at RB but only carried once for 5 yards. Robert Turbin (7/18) was in next as he battles for the RB2 spot with Jordan Todman (5/22) and UDFA Josh Ferguson (5/6, 2/13).

Phillip Dorsett started on the outside in place of Hilton and caught all three of his targets for 37 yards.

Dwayne Allen caught both of his targets for 10 yards but lost a fumble deep in Ravens territory.

Buccaneers 27 | Jaguars 21

Buccaneers Overview

Players of note that did not play: Doug Martin (ribs)

Jameis Winston started the game with six straight incompletions but played better against Jacksonville’s second-team defense hitting WR Mike Evans on a fade route for a 4-yard second quarter TD. Winston completed just 3 of his 10 pass attempts on the night for 28 yards, with an interception.

Charles Sims started at RB for Doug Martin carrying five times for 20 yards but did not see any pass targets.

Much has been made about rookie TE Cameron Brate earning the starting job over Austin Seferian-Jenkins (so far) but he had a poor game here failing to haul in any of his three pass targets. One of those targets bounced off his hands and into the arms of Jacksonville CB Dwayne Gratz for an interception. Seferian-Jenkins, meanwhile, caught all three of his targets for 36 yards.

Rookie K Roberto Aguayo missed a 32-yard FG in this game after having never missed a FG under 40 yards in his college career. He also missed a 49-yarder

Jaguars Overview

Players of note that did not play: None

Blake Bortles threw two touchdowns passes in three drives connecting with T.J. Yeldon for a 14-yard score on a checkdown out of the backfield in the first quarter and then he hit Allen Hurns for a 24-yarder in the back of the end zone in the second. Bortles completed 8 of 11 passes for 85 yards, with no sacks as he continues to build off of last year’s surprisingly strong fantasy season.

T.J. Yeldon got the start at RB carrying twice for 15 yards but he showed where his true fantasy value is likely to lie this year on his catch and run for a TD.

Chris Ivory was solid once again displaying the power-running style that made the Jags want to sign him, carrying six times for 25 yards (4.6 YPC).

WR Allen Robinson (4/34) caught 3 balls for 34 yards on the team’s second TD drive of the night capped by the Allen Hurns (2/29/1) TD.

Jacksonville’s first-team offense has now scored 3 TDs in 5 possessions this preseason.

Much has been made about the Jaguars improved defense this preseason and we got our first look at #5 overall pick CB Jalen Ramsey in this game. He made an impact on the Jags’ first defensive series of the game making two tackles including one for a 6-yard loss.

Rams 21 | Chiefs 20

Chiefs Overview

The Chiefs began the game with a textbook opening TD drive that lasted more than 7 minutes, featuring key third-down conversions from Travis Kelce, Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley. The Chiefs went 75 yards in 13 plays the last of which was a 2-yard touchdown run by Spencer Ware.

Alex Smith (9 of 12 for 137/1) led the Chiefs first-team offense to 17 points on four possessions. His pump-fake on a 20-yard touchdown pass to Maclin completely fooled the Rams secondary allowing Maclin to break wide open and waltz into the end zone untouched.

Jeremy Maclin (3/48/1 on 4 targets) was ejected from this game for fighting.

Spencer Ware has now scored in each of the Chiefs’ first two preseason games. He started in place of Charles and carried 10 times for 37 yards and a score. He also caught all 4 of his pass targets for 24 yards. If you’re drafting Charles in the second or third round, it’s looking like Ware is the insurance policy to get in the last few rounds of your draft.

Chris Conley (3/66 on 3 targets) has been running with the starters all summer and played in 2-WR sets opposite Maclin in this game.

Rams Overview

Players of note that did not play: Tyler Higbee (undisclosed) Robert Quinn (back)

The Rams opened the game with two consecutive TD drives engineered by Case Keenum. He exited after completing 4 of 5 passes for 53 yards and a TD to rookie WR Pharoah Cooper (1/11/1 on 2 targets). Keenum has outplayed Jared Goff so far this summer and the team should probably just go ahead and name him the Week 1 starter.

Jared Goff completed 8 of 12 for 82 yards and a TD to reserve RB Malcom Brown but he also fumbled twice, losing one. He’s now 12 of 21 for 120 yards with 1 TD, 1 INT and 1 lost fumble in his two preseason appearances.

It was a good night for the Rams RBs with Todd Gurley, Benny Cunningham and Malcolm Brown all seeing time with the first unit and each of them averaged better than 5 yards per carry. Gurley capped off the the team’s opening drive with a TD. Brown, a big powerful runner, led all Rams backs with 85 total yards and a TD on 14 touches.

No Rams receiver caught more than 2 balls in this game. Tavon Austin started at WR but didn’t see any targets or carries.

Well, at least Blaine Gabbert improved upon his terrible preseason opener. He completed 6/9 passes for 69 yards and much like we saw at the end of last year, TE Vance McDonald has emerged as his favorite target, as he posted 3/38 receiving on 4 targets with Gabbert. McDonald is one of our favorite TE2s available late in drafts, especially if Gabbert is going to start most of the season. On the flip side, WR Torrey Smith doesn’t have a catch in the preseason, and he’s been targeted just once out of Gabbert’s 19 attempts. We’ve never been fans of Smith, and this year is no exception with Gabbert at QB and at his current ninth-round ADP.

Starting RB Carlos Hyde struggled to get anything going until the Broncos took out their starting defense, but he ended up with 6/26/1 rushing, scoring on a 4-yard rush. He’s also been playing all three downs, seeing a target on third down, but Shaun Draughn didn’t suit up after taking a big hit last week. Second-year RB Mike Davis (5/26 rushing, 2/1 receiving) took a step back after his strong preseason opener, losing two fumbles. Davis is in a battle with DuJuan Harris (7/46 rushing) and rookie Kelvin Taylor (10/47) for the #3 RB role.

The Sacramento Bee’s Matt Barrows believes that Smith, Bruce Ellington, and Quinton Patton are locks to be the starters at WR to start the season.

Broncos Overview

The Broncos gave second-year QB Trevor Siemian (10/14 for 75 yards and 1 INT) his chance to start a preseason game. He led the offense on a 10-play, 86-yard scoring drive to start the game, but he threw a bad pick-six to S Eric Reid when Siemian stared down Demaryius Thomas (1/10 receiving on 2 targets) on a pass over the middle of the field. Mark Sanchez (10/17 for 120 yards) didn’t play any better, committing his second third turnovers of the preseason with 2 lost fumbles. Sanchez is still the likely Week 1 starter, and while it certainly isn’t a great situation for DT and Emmanuel Sanders (3/24 receiving on 3 targets), Sanchez showed once again that he’ll be more willing to throw the ball downfield.

It’s becoming clear that rookie QB Paxton Lynch (15/26 for 113 yards) will start at some point this season, as long as he continues to progress and proves he’s ready. He came in after Sanchez and finished out the second half, doing some good (2 TD passes) and bad things (took 3 sacks, threw INT). Kubiak acknowledge that Lynch is behind the top 2 QBs in terms of knowledge of the offense, which is to be expected at this point.

Starting RB C.J Anderson posted 6/30/1 rushing 1/0 receiving, scoring on a bit of an improvised 19-yard run off right tackle. He was the every-down back with the starters until rookie Devontae Booker (9/36 rushing, 1/7 receiving) took over on the third series. Booker played behind Ronnie Hillman (3/21 rushing) in the preseason opener, but Hillman didn’t get a touch until the third quarter.

It looks like Virgil Green has emerged as the starting TE in Denver, and he suddenly needs to be on the radar for fantasy TE streamers. Green finished with 4/57 receiving on 4 targets – catching 2 passes each from both Siemian and Sanchez – with HC Gary Kubiak even designing a TE screen for him. Second-year TE Jeff Heuerman missed Saturday’s preseason game with a hamstring, and Kubiak said Heuerman is having a “hard time staying healthy” after missing the 2015 season with an ACL injury.

Panthers 26 | Titans 16

Panthers Overview

The Panthers’ first team offense only played 18 snaps against the Titans, but quarterback Cam Newton (9/10, 162 yards, 1 TD) and company showed well.

Even though they have spent a limited time on the field together, the Panthers starting outside receivers continue to be Kelvin Benjamin and Ted Ginn. Devin Funchess is working in the slot and working as the Panthers’ No. 3 receiver.

Titans Overview

Players of note who were inactive: None

The big story here is Tajae Sharpe’s continued positive drum beat this offseason. With Dorial Green-Beckham out of the fold, the 5th round rookie is poised to start outside opposite free agent acquisition, Rishard Matthews. Sharpe led the Titans in receiving (6-68) against the Panthers as most of his damage came against Carolina’s first team defense. Sharpe and Matthews are both worth stabs in the 12th-plus rounds of drafts.

Bills 21 | Giants 0

Bills Overview

Players of note who were inactive: WR Sammy Watkins (foot, rest)

While the Bills continue to play it safe with WR Sammy Watkins as he rehabs his Jones’ fracture (foot), Buffalo’s first-team offense pass offense looked sharp against the Giants. Tyrod Taylor (7/10, 132 yards, 1 TD) connected with Charles Clay on a beautiful deep ball for 59-yards on a drive that should have resulted in another Taylor passing touchdown, but was stymied by a goal line fumble.

The Bills unexpectedly cut Karlos Williams hours before their game against the Giants after his offseason suspension and weight problems destroyed all positive momentum he gained in his rookie season. Veteran signee Reggie Bush and Mike Gillislee will back up LeSean McCoy this season. Rookie Jonathan Williams will have to earn snaps as the No. 4 back in tow.

Giants Overview

Players of note who were inactive: WR Victor Cruz (groin)

There are not many positives to take away after the Giants’ second preseason game. Eli Manning (4/9, 44 yards) and the first-team offense struggled in their limited snaps. The Giants attack was below-average last preseason too before kicking it into gear for the real games.

After a devastating patellar tendon injury held Victor Cruz out for all of 2015, he is still nursing lower-extremity issues. Now battling a groin injury, Cruz still has not practiced all preseason. He is not worth drafting in 10- and 12-team leagues.

Texans 16 | Saints 9

Texans Overview

Players of note who were inactive: None

After a brutal preseason opener, Brock Osweiler (12/19, 124 yards, 1 TD and 1 INT) was much better in Week 2, albeit against the Saints’ notoriously leaky secondary. He found Will Fuller on a beautiful 19-yard over the shoulder connection in the endzone and targeted DeAndre Hopkins on two of his first three opening passes. Look for Osweiler to play even more in the third week of the preseason in preparation for the season opener against the Bears.

Saints Overview

Drew Brees and the Saints’ high-powered offense gave their starting outside receivers the day off against against Houston, so there isn’t much to take away from their first-team offense. Brees only attempted eight passes.

After a terribly disappointing 2015 season, C.J. Spiller has quietly had a healthy and solid preseason. He caught three balls (for 16 yards) in the Week 2 tilt and showed some of his classic burst of old. Spiller is still not draft-worthy beyond deep leagues, but he may just be a cheap post-hype sleeper this season.

Cowboys 41 | Dolphins 14

Cowboys Overview

Players of note who did not play: RB Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring)

HC Jason Garrett can’t be happy with the lack of discipline on the offensive side of the ball, as there were three offensive holding penalties on the first five plays of the game, one of which nullified a 20-yard run by RB Darius Jackson. Jackson, who’s also received praise in the offseason, finished 14/43 rushing.

Without penalties, the second drive of the game was much more successful, as QB Tony Romo led the team 72 yards for a TD, capped off by an Alfred Morris 15-yard TD run. With Elliott out, Morris made a case for some serious regular season touches, finishing 13/85/1 rushing with a 6.5 YPC average. Romo, though he played on just two drives, finished a clean 4/5 for 49 yards.

According to Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones, “the goal” is for RB Ezekiel Elliott to play in the third preseason game, and he added that “it looks good right now.”

QB Dak Prescott took over for Tony Romo after their second possession and continued his wow-factor from the first preseason game, showing versatility in the run and pass game and the continued chemistry with WR Dez Bryant—the two connected for a 28-yard TD early in the second quarter. Prescott did throw an INT but it was nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty. Later that drive, he scrambled for a 20-yard TD run. Romo is the clear-cut starter, but Dallas has found some explosiveness at the backup position, as Prescott finished 12/15 for 199 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, adding 2 rushing TDs to his stat line.

WR Brice Butler was Prescott’s favorite target, catching three passes for 74 yards from him, including a 58-yarder. Butler has just as much a chance as anyone to get targets from Romo in the regular season after Dez Bryant, as he has four catches for 96 yards in the first two games of the preseason.

One of the top PK options, Dan Bailey, made both of his FGAs, a short one from 24 yards out and one from 51 yards.

In the third quarter, with the Dolphins punting out of their own end-zone, WR Vince Mayle got a hand on the pun and the Cowboys recovered inside the 20.

Dolphins Overview

We finally saw some life out of the Dolphin offense and QB Ryan Tannehill, who played late into the first half. He threw 2 TDs to WR Kenny Stills, one of 13 yards and one of 3 yards. He also led the team inside the Cowboys 5-yard line on an additional drive, but it ended on downs. According to nj.com, HC Adam Gase liked the mentality Tannehill had going into the first half.

The offensive line wasn’t as horrible as it was in the first game, but still allowed plenty of defenders in the backfield, limiting RB Jay Ajayi to short gains and sacking Tannehill on the third play of the game. Tannehill was also strip-sacked later. Unlike the first preseason game, rookie TLaremy Tunsil played 59% of the snaps at LG and it looks like that’s where he’ll be playing in the regular season, according to The Miami Herald’s Adam Beasley. Tunsil has still been struggling, but so has the entire line.

Ajayi finished the game with just 19 yards on six carries, though most of the Dolphin RBs struggled as well. RB Arian Foster replaced him on some third down and red-zone situations, and struggled mightily, finishing the game with 2/-5 rushing. He had no targets in the passing game either.

WR Jarvis Landry, while finishing with 4/33 receiving on 7 targets, did make a nice one-handed grab out of the flat and showed his ease of acceleration.

The Cardinals haven’t really had much to talk about through two games, racking up an 0-2 record and just 13 points, including just 209 yards on Friday night. The Cardinals’ had two three-and-outs, a pick-six, and a 61-yard INT on their first four possessions of the game. QB Carson Palmer finished 4/8 for 37 yards, throwing a bad pick-six to Brandon Flowers when he stumbled throwing to the flat on a bubble screen.

WR Larry Fitzgerald didn’t play in the second preseason game because he’s dealing with a “slight MCL” sprain, according to Bruce Arians. Also, the Cardinals head coach was back on the sidelines himself after going to the hospital because of diverticulitis – an inflammation or infection of the colon – earlier in the week.

OLB Alex Okafor suffered a torn right biceps tendon in practice before the second preseason game. He’ll have to decide if he’ll try to play through the injury, or if he’ll undergo surgery and miss the season. Okafor was behind Chandler Jones in their base packages, but he had been working as a pass rusher in their nickel unit.

Chargers Overview

RB Melvin Gordon’s night got off to a good start with a 12-yard run off the left side, but he did little after that, finishing with just 6/18 rushing. Also, the Chargers used Danny Woodhead (3/5 rushing) ahead of Gordon on the third drive when they started with the ball inside the Cardinals 10-yard line. Woodhead frequently played ahead of Gordon in red-zone and goal-line situations last season.

Second-year WR Tyrell Williams has been generating some buzz since Stevie Johnson’s season-ending knee injury, but the Chargers played it cautious with him last week in the preseason opener because of “leg tightness.” Well, Williams took the field in the second preseason game, finishing with 4/47 receiving on 6 targets, including 3 catches in a two-minute drill to end the first half.

WR Dontrelle Inman took a big hit over the middle of the field in the first quarter, sending his helmet flying. Inman left the game for good after the hit, but it was ruled that he did not suffer a concussion.

Third-string TE Jeff Cumberland was carted off with a left Achilles injury. The injury looked serious and it could leave Sean McGrath as the #3 TE.

Redskins 22 | Jets 18

Redskins Overview

With nearly their starting offense on ice, HC Jay Gruden made it clear he does not want to run the risk of losing an integral part of their offense to injury in the preseason. Unfortunately, his injury “de-risking” did not apply to RB Matt Jones against the Jets. Jones landed hard on his left shoulder in the first quarter and quickly left the game afterwards. Jones’ injury was diagnosed as a slight AC Sprain — an ailment that usually requires 1-2 weeks to recover. Jay Gruden signaled optimism after the contest with the Jets, hinting “I don’t think (Jones’ AC Sprain) will be a long injury.” It certainly sounds like Jones avoided the worst, but he is not out of the woods yet. He is our projected No. 18 running back.

After Jones’ injury, Rob Kelley — a 2016 undrafted free agent with minimal athleticism from Tulane — handled Washington’s first-team work.Chris Thompson mixed in, in his usual pass-catching/change-of-pace role. Kelley did not look great against the Jets’ (3 carries, 8 yards), but his position on the depth chart is the real story. He is firmly ahead of Keith Marshall, who was expected to be the No. 2 back entering the preseason.

Jets Overview

Players of note who did not play: Matt Forte (dressed, did not play), Khiry Robinson (rest, leg)

There isn’t much of note to take away from the Jets’ side of the ball after their game against Washington. The Jets’ offense was anemic — it is preseason after all — and failed to convert a 3rd down until the third quarter.

Eagles 17 | Steelers 0

Eagles Overview

HC Doug Pederson’s use of TE Zach Ertz has been a little worrisome through the first two preseason games. Ertz played 33 snaps in the first game and just 3 of the team’s first 15 snaps, while Brent Celek played on 14 of the first 15. Ertz did end up playing 16 of Bradford’s 28 snaps but most of the came in a four-minute drill. We had hoped that Ertz’s days of splitting snaps with Celek were behind him once Chip Kelly left town, but that might not be the case.

QB Sam Bradford finished an efficient 14/19 (73.6%) against the Steelers, but those 19 attempts went for just 115 yards (6.1 YPA). In Bradford’s defense, he doesn’t have many weapons right now with Jordan Matthews (knee) out, the O-line is in flux, and teams typically use bland offenses in the preseason, but we’d love to see him push it a little more downfield.

Recently-acquired WR Dorial Green-Beckham failed to catch both of his targets, including a red-zone target when he first entered the game in the third quarter from Chase Daniels (10/16 for 82 yards). Last year’s first-round selection Nelson Agholor (2/30 receiving on 3 targets) said earlier this week that he didn’t see the trade for DGB as a message to him, but his play Thursday told a different story. Friend of the site Fran Duffy noted that Agholor showed much more effort in every facet of his game this week, this after a lackluster start to the preseason and training camp.

CSN Philly’s Reuben Frank believes UDFA WR Paul Turner is a player to watch, calling him the second-best WR this preseason. Turner had a highlight catch to set up a TD and he finished the night with 3/44 receiving on 3 targets.

We swear we’re not making this one up. K Caleb Sturgis suffered a concussion in warmups when he was struck in the head, without a helmet on, with an errant punt. Sturgis is battling Cody Parkey, who made his only field goal from 40 yards out, for the starting job. Sturgis has the leg up on the gig, and we hope this accident doesn’t affect the battle.

Camp standout Sammie Coates has produced mixed results in his first two preseason games. A week after fumbling twice, he ran a shaky route on Landry Jones’ first interception (he threw four of them!), which was returned for a TD by Nolan Carroll. Coates also got flagged for an offensive pass interference. However, he made an absolutely sensational sideline catch on this 24-yard connection. Coates certainly has a ton of talent to tap into, but he needs to show more consistency in the final weeks of the preseason to secure plenty of playing time once the regular season rolls around.

Slot WR Eli Rogers has drawn rave reviews the last two preseasons, and he showed well for himself on Thursday night as a starter. He caught all four of his targets for 39 yards, and he’s developing into a real threat to steal playing time if the Steelers elect to limit Markus Wheaton’s snaps out of the slot. If Rogers plays in the slot, it could also hurt Coates as well, as the Steelers could rotate Coates and Wheaton on the outside.

C Maurkice Pouncey saw his first game action for the first time in 361 days. He’s been a first- or second-team All-Pro in every year that he’s played more than one game, so a healthy Pouncey will be a huge boost to the interior of this Steeler O-line.

Falcons 24 | Browns 13

Falcons Overview

RB Devonta Freeman had a rough preseason opener, dropping a pass in the end zone, but he showed the same burst in the second preseason game that he showed when he led all RBs in total fantasy points a season ago. Freeman got the start for the Falcons and carried 4 times for 41 yards and a TD, which was a 19-yard burst on which he made CB Justin Gilbert absolutely whiff at the point of attack with a subtle, nifty juke. Freeman is small, but he’s solidly built and tough, while also elusive.

RB Tevin Coleman, though, also got time with the Falcons’ first team, carrying 5 times for 19 yards. It appears that the Falcons will stay true to their word, and rotate both of their backs.

The Falcons got a strong performance from new #2 WR Mohamed Sanu, who posted 3/45 receiving on 5 targets. He had a 32-yard reception on a shallow cross out of the slot, on which he ran away from defenders up the middle of the field. He is technically the “#2,” but still expect him to play out of the slot quite a bit when the Falcons go three-wide.

In the Falcons’ battle for the #3 RB job, Cyrus Gray had 18 carries for 76 yards, while Brandon Wilds had 8/49/1. Terron Ward (ankle) sat out his second straight preseason game, which obviously doesn’t help his cause.

Browns Overview

This was a much better showing for Robert Griffin III in his second start with the Browns. RGIII went 6/8 for 96 yards and 2 scores, while also adding 3/36 rushing. Other than trying to get Terrelle Pryor killed on his first throw of the game (there was also a missed block), an ill-fated WR screen, Griffin was very sharp. On Griffin’s second throw, he hit Pryor down the right sideline for a 50-yard score, a perfect ball. Brown coach Hue Jackson drew up a lot of short stuff for Griffin, but he also absolutely nailed his two longer throws, the score to Pryor and a pretty teardrop between two defenders to Gary Barnidge for a 29-yard score. The Browns also used a lot of zone read and designed runs. The game was a perfect example of why Cleveland chose him as its starter; there were flashes of the old RGIII in this game.

As for Pryor, he clearly needs to be watched. He’s started two preseason games, and has made big plays in both. Now, both Corey Colemanand Josh Gordon were inactive in this one, which gave Pryor added opportunity. But he’s big and he can run, and Griffin has nailed his longer throws through two preseason games. At the least, Pryor can be an effective go-route and red-zone threat, while always keeping the defense on its toes for potential trick plays.

Hue Jackson loves running the ball, so obviously the Browns’ backfield is important. Isaiah Crowell got the start and carried 7 times for 28 yards. Duke Johnson mixed in with 3 carries for 6 yards, while also contributing 2 receptions for 10 yards. Jackson’s gameplan for RGIII was good news for Duke; there were a lot of screens and shorter passes mixed into calculated shots for RGIII, and Duke also lined up out wide and in the slot. In theory, he and Crowell could share the field at the same time.

A name to watch, in the event Crowell falters, is youngster Terrell Watson. He played late in the game and posted 4/28 rushing.

With Tom Brady sitting again, Jimmy Garoppolo got the start and was more than effective, going 16/21 for 181 and a TD with no INTs. He relied mostly on check-downs to move the ball but was, in the end, a solid game manager. He’s shown excellent chemistry with the newcomers in the Pats offense as well, notably TE Martellus Bennett and WR Chris Hogan.

Hogan, who was the victim of a holding call, quickly made up for it, snagging a ball thrown a bit wide, by keeping it alive with his fingertips before hauling it in for a 25-yard gain in the third quarter from Garoppolo. While Bennett saw just two targets, even with Gronkowski sitting, he caught both, as did third-string TE Clay Harbor. It’s shaping up for the Pats to use multiple TE sets, even if Gronk gets the lion’s share of targets.

Just as Garoppolo looked impressive, so did the receiving corps, even with Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman out. Hogan shined with a 13.3 yards per catch and WR A.J. Derby caught six of his seven targets for 71 yards and a TD.

LeGarrette Blount aside, the Pat RBs look pedestrian at best, as backup thumper RB Brandon Bolden fumbled in the second quarter, recovered by the Bears, and saw just 2 carries for 7 yards. RB Tyler Gaffney, who initially received some buzz after the 2014 Combine but has yet to take a regular season snap, saw first-team reps during the week but managed an abysmal 2.8 YPC in the second preseason game, going 11/31 rushing. He did however, catch all three of his targets.

The Jay Cutler–Alshon Jeffery connection was looking great in practice all week and it didn’t take long to show it on the field, as the two connected on a 29-yard contested pass-and-catch down the sideline on the second play of the game. Jeffery again was targeted the next play for a 12-yard reception. Those were Jeffery’s only two targets of the game, and it’s very encouraging what he did with them.

QB Jay Cutler finished 8/12 with no TDs or INTs but looked sharp and precise in his throwing. He left in after the first quarter, relieved byBrian Hoyer who went a pathetic 4/14 with no TDs and 1 INT, picked off by Cyrus Jones.

QB Connor Shaw came in for the final drive of the game with the Bears trailing and led a game-winning 88-yard drive, including a 22-yard desperation TD pass to WR B.J. Daniels as time expired.

RB Jeremy Langford, who looks to be the leader of this backfield even if it is an RBBC of sorts, certainly gave the coaching staff a reason to give him the rock more than others, averaging a ridiculous 6.9 YPC on 8 carries (8/55 rushing). Credit to the offensive line in the first quarter, who gave Langford a giant hole to run through and punch in a 5-yard TD. On that TD, the Bears converted a 2-pt attempt on a Cutler completion to TE Rob Housler.

With RB Ka’Deem Carey out, rookie RB Jordan Howard saw plenty of action and turned 11 carries into 46 yards, including a long of 11. Howard needed action like this, as he played behind Langford, Carey and Jacquizz Rodgers in the first preseason game. However, his carries were still inconsistent, failing to gain 3 yards on a number of carries while also posting a few runs of 5+ yards.

Packers 20 | Raiders 12

Packers Overview

Eddie Lacy’s redemption season is fully underway. After lumbering through the 2015 season with weight, conditioning and injury problems — he looks noticeably trim heading into this season. He ripped off a couple of nice, decisive runs against Oakland’s vanilla defense and dropped 9-45-1 on the ground in the first quarter. When he is right, Lacy is a shoo-in RB1 in fantasy. Lacy has finished as a top-12 back in 45.2 percent of his games (not including his down 2015 season).

With no Aaron Rodgers, the Packers’ passing offense was manned by Brett Hundley until he “aggravated” an ankle injury and left the contest early. John Crockett subsequently led Green Bay in receptions (4-27).

Raiders Overview

Players of note who were inactive: None

There aren’t many Week 2 takeaways for the Raiders. The entire Oakland offense struggled — most notably the starters — but it is way too early to jump to lofty conclusions. Derek Carr averaged a grotesque 2.92 yards per attempt on his 13 passes against Green Bay.

DeAndre Washington is the clear No. 2 back to incumbent Latavius Murray, but both struggled to gain much ground against Green Bay. Murray rushed for 19 yards on his eight totes while Washington did not fare any better (5 carries, 8 yards). Murray played 14 of the Raiders’ 15 first-team snaps in Preseason Week 2.

Vikings 18 | Seahawks 11

Vikings Overview

Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was in pads against Seattle on Thursday night, but Vikes’ head coach Mike Zimmer elected not to play his starting signal-caller. Shaun Hill manned the first-team offense instead.

Locked in an early battle with veteran Charles Johnson for starting duties opposite outside receiver Stefon Diggs, Laquon Treadwell was targeted four times against the Seahawks but failed to record a reception. Just 21-years-old, Treadwell’s semi-slow start to his career shouldn’t be held against him. He should have no issue overtaking the starting job opposite Diggs early in his rookie year.

Seahawks Overview

It’s still preseason and the schemes/defenses are very vanilla early, but perhaps it is time to start slightly believing in the “Christine MichaelAwakening”. Through two games with Thomas Rawls (ankle) and C.J. Prosise (hamstring) sidelined, Michael has rushed for 99 yards on 17 carries this preseason. It’s very easy to get caught up in his hype in year’s past, but C-Mike has seemingly put his game together in his fourth NFL season. Michael’s average draft position (RB62; 17th-round) is sure to rise in the coming days.

Russell Wilson and the ‘Hawks passing offense struggled against the Vikings, but one throw in particular screamed of the future. Even in double coverage, Russell Wilson dropped a dime to Tyler Lockett for a 31-yard gain. The throw and route combination to gain a small amount of separation could not have been executing any better. Coming off of re-draft boards in the 5th-round, Lockett can potentially be a version of 2015 breakout John Brown.

The Bengals first-team offense steamrolled the Lions on their opening drive, going 74 yards on 8 plays, which was capped off by RB Jeremy Hill’s 9-yard TD out of the shotgun. Overall, QB Andy Dalton finished 7/9 for 78 yards in three series of play.

Rookie WR Tyler Boyd (2/38/1 receiving on 3 targets) started with A.J. Green (2/22 receivng on 2 targets), and Boyd had an impressive diving catch by the sideline for 26 yards while working out of the slot and being held by Quandre Diggs. Boyd added a 12-yard TD from A.J. McCarron at the end of the first half to cap his impressive night. With Brandon LaFell (hand) and Tyler Eifert (ankle surgery) both out indefinitely, it’s looking more and more likely that Boyd could have an important role in this offense from the jump to start the season.

OT Jake Fisher was carted off the field with a leg injury on the second series of the game, as he was making the start at RT for Cedric Ogbuehi (toe), who is likely to miss the rest of the preseason. HC Marvin Jones said after the game that Fisher suffered just a sprained ankle, and he was seen in a walking boot after the game.

K Mike Nugent missed an extra-point attempt and a 45-yard field-goal attempt off to the left, this after he missed a 48-yard kick the week before. However, he did make his other three extra points and he hit a 50-yard attempt, and Jones said he didn’t have any concerns about his kicker after the game.

Lions Overview

Free-agent signee Marvin Jones showed off against his former team, torching the Bengals for 4/65 receiving on 5 targets. He had three strong catches on the first drive, using his frame to box out defenders on two of the catches and showing concentration on this 32-yard catch along the sideline. Kyle Meinke reported last week that Jones has been the new favorite target of Matthew Stafford (8/11 for 113 yards) and it showed on Thursday night. There are plenty of indications that Jones could be the top WR here, and he’s looking like a great value at his current ADP of 88.

Fellow WR Golden Tate also looked good on his 3 catches for 41 yards, but he let a TD slip through his hands in the back of the end zone on a great throw from Stafford. The drop is a small concern for the usually sure-handed Tate, who has battled drops in camp.

For the second straight week, Stafford lost a fumble and took a couple big hits behind a shaky O-line. The group has struggled to pick up inside blitzes, and rookie LT Taylor Decker has looked overwhelmed in his first two starts. Stafford has played well and looked comfortable in Jim Bob Cooter’s offense so far in 2016, but these O-line issues are starting to become worrisome considering their struggles last season.

The Lions really need Eric Ebron to be on the field in Week 1, with recently signed Andrew Quarless suspended the first two games of the season. UDFA rookie TE Cole Wick started and caught a 24-yard seam pass, but he gave up a sack and struggled as a blocker.

It’s looking like RB Stevan Ridley (4/13 rushing) is a candidate to be cut, as he’s not only behind Zach Zenner (4/4 rushing) but also rookie RB Dwayne Washington (6/22/1 rushing) who saw time ahead of Ridley with the second-team offense.

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PRESEASON WEEK 1

Texans 24 | 49ers 13

Texans Overview

It wasn’t the best of debuts for new Texan QB Brock Osweiler. He played into the second quarter and went 4/7 for 27 yards, showing very little anticipation as a passer. He also stared down receivers and held onto the ball too long, leading in particular to a breakup on his final throw to WR Braxton Miller. Obviously, this was Osweiler’s first game with his new set of receivers, which is a major caveat. With Miller (4 catches, 34 yards) and Will Fuller (1 catch, 4 yards), the Texans also started two rookies. Nonetheless, we’d like to see better play out of him moving forward.

The star of Texan camp, or at least one of them, has been WR Jaelen Strong. While Strong didn’t start for Houston, he got reps with the first team, and led the club with 6 targets and 4 catches, totaling 42 yards. We need to continue to watch Strong, who can be a very effective slot receiver in theory, because of his size (imagine Jordan Matthews). But he also has to climb the depth chart, and it’s interesting that rookie Braxton Miller played in front of him on Sunday night.

One Texan debut that went well was RB Lamar Miller’s. As expected, Miller started and showed his explosiveness on Houston’s first play from scrimmage, taking a carry off the right edge and bursting for 14 yards. Miller finished with 4 carries for 30 yards. While we didn’t get a look at Miller in the passing game, every indication is that the Texans’ offense will run through him on the ground.

With Alfred Blue inactive, it’s worth noting that the first Texan RB into the game after Miller was rookie Tyler Ervin, who was also the Texans’ first team punt returner (he muffed his first chance, but recovered it). Ervin gained just 6 yards on 5 offensive touches. Meanwhile, second-year man Kenny Hilliard made his case for a roster spot with 12/40 rushing and 1/17 receiving.

49ers Overview

The 49ers’ QB competition won’t be much of a competition if Colin Kaepernick (shoulder) can’t get on the field soon, but it certainly appeared after one preseason game that Blaine Gabbert is willing to give Kap every shot to make a run for the job. In his first game under Chip Kelly, Gabbert was not good. He went 4/10 for 63 yards and a TD. While Gabbert can run, which gives him an advantage with Kelly, he was also extremely inaccurate and exhibited very little pocket presence, a major concern in an offense that’s almost exclusively shotgun based. Fortunately for Gabbert, the players behind him (Thad Lewis and Jeff Driskel) showed no reason to think they’ll challenge him early.

Gabbert’s TD pass went to TE Vance McDonald, a 43-yarder. It was the easiest throw Gabbert would make all day, as McDonald toasted LB Bernardrick McKinney, and McKinney fell to boot, leaving McDonald wide open. While McKinney’s clumsiness obviously contributed to the TD, McDonald can clearly run, and he finished with 2/54/1 receiving. There’s upside in McDonald as a TE2 late in drafts, and he’s also one of our favorite best-ball options.

The 49ers’ run game was overall very effective. Carlos Hyde started for the club, and ripped off a 22-yard run on the opening play of the Niners’ second series. Unfortunately, he also lost a fumble that was returned for a TD – he was contacted pretty much immediately upon receiving the ball, and the ball popped out. As expected, Shaun Draughn also received reps with the first team and posted 2/12 rushing and 2/9 receiving. The star of the Niners’ ground game was second-year man Mike Davis, who posted 5/72 rushing and 2/17 receiving.

The Niners opened in a three-WR set, with Torrey Smith, Quinton Patton, and Bruce Ellington. Only Ellington of the three made a catch, for 6 yards.

Rams 28 | Cowboys 24

Rams Overview

Todd Gurley (rest) did not take a snap in the preseason opener. The Rams’ will keep Gurley’s preseason workload light in preparation for the season. Texas product Malcolm Brown received the lion’s share of carries (8-66) against the Cowboys.

Case Keenum got the start ahead of Jared Goff in the Rams’ preseason opener. Goff played just 13 offensive snaps before “tweaking” his non-throwing shoulder. All signs point to the Rams rolling into Week 1 with Keenum as their starter.

Cowboys Overview

Ezekiel Elliott (hamstring) did not play against the Rams and has not practiced since August 3rd. His injury is a week-to-week issue — and does not sound overly serious — but it is obviously worth monitoring in the near future. Dallas will be very conservative with the No. 4 overall pick.

In place of Tony Romo (rest), Dak Prescott showed very well in his NFL debut. It’s still early (and the preseason is notorious for non complicated defenses), but Prescott carved through the Rams secondary with ease posting 10 completions (on 12 attempts), 139 yards and two scores. Hopefully Dallas has found a viable backup to Romo.

Finally, Dez is back. Bryant only played 10 snaps but his “test run” showed he is back to 100 percent health after missing seven games last year (Jones’ fracture).

Colts 19 | Bills 18

Colts Overview

UDFA RB Josh Ferguson got the start with Frank Gore out, but couldn’t find any running room, albeit behind a poor offensive line. He should be considered the No. 2 behind Gore, but Ferguson was completely ineffective.

It looked like the team was trying to get WR Phillip Dorsett in space to utilize his speed, but there wasn’t much opportunity.

Tyrod Taylor played just one series before giving way for EJ Manuel. He attempted one deep ball, an incomplete pass to WR Marquise Goodwin. The Bill offensive line provided a nice pocket for Manuel, who connected with TE Chris Gragg for a TD shortly after entering the game.

OLB IK Enemkpali suffered a torn ACL against the Colts and it looks like he’ll miss the entire 2016 season. Enemkpali went down after reportedly twisting his right leg awkwardly during a pass rush. It looks like Lorenzo Alexander will open the season starting at OLB with Shaq Lawson also sidelined.

RB LeSean McCoy had just one carry but it was a thing a beauty, cutting quickly to the left in the backfield and finding open space for nine yards.

RB Mike Gillislee relieved LeSean McCoy on the first series and ran three times for 25 yards, most of which came on a 20-yard run on the team’s second drive of the game. He looks to be the No. 2 right now, and gave way after to Jonathan Williams who tallied 8/44 rushing.

Despite Sammy Watkins sitting out, WR Leonard Hankerson simply didn’t showcase any worth or improvement, catching just one of five targets, including three drops. HC Rex Ryan even called Hankerson’s performance as “horrible,” and it won’t be surprising if he doesn’t make the roster.

The Bills Special Teams came up big early, blocking a Colt punt for a Safety on just their second drive of the game. On the ensuing punt from the Colts, newcomer RB Reggie Bush showed some burst and agility, taking it up to the 30.

Third-stringer and former Ohio State QB Cardale Jones impressed in his Bills debut, going 11/21 for 162 yards and a TD.

Seahawks 17 | Chiefs 16

Seahawks Overview

QB Russell Wilson and WR Doug Baldwin seemed to pick up right where they left off last season, as the two connected on the first two plays of their first drive. Later in the drive, however, Wilson stared down WR Jermaine Kearse, which was easily read and picked off by CB Marcus Peters. Wilson played for just one drive.

RB Christine Michael turned seven carries into 44 yards with Thomas Rawls and the rookies Prosise and Brooks out. After the game, HC Pete Carroll said the backfield will be a 1-2 punch. Right now, it looks like those punches will be Rawls-Michael driven.

The Seahawks finished the game with a splash, as backup QB Trevone Boykin let a Hail Mary fly for a 42-yard TD to WR Tanner McEvoy to bring the Seahawks within one, and then handed it off to Troymaine Pope on the 2-pt conversion for the win.

Chiefs Overview

Alex Smith looked sharp on the first drive, connecting on short passes and scrambling before finding WR Jeremy Maclin on a 20-yard gain to bring it to the 1. RB Spencer Ware, who sometimes looks like a true No. 2 to Jamaal Charles over Charcandrick West, punched it in on the next play. Ware finished with 24 rushing yards on five attempts, but it was West who looked more impressive, rushing for 4/35 and an 8.8 YPC. West showcased his East-West abilities while Ware showed his superiority to run in between the tackles.

After Smith handled the first drive, QB Nick Foles made his Chiefs debut and had nice accuracy on his passes, fitting it into some tight windows and finishing 4/8 for 37 yards with no TDs or INTs.

K Cairo Santos continued his 2015 success, converting his three FGAs, including a 49-yarder and a 58-yarder.

Titans 27 | Chargers 10

Chargers Overview

RB Melvin Gordon hadn’t scored a TD since Jan. 1, 2015 when his Wisconsin Badgers took on the Auburn Tigers in the Outback Bowl. That changed Saturday night, and he’s looking to put his entire 2015 season behind him. Gordon and the Charger O-line once again did little with their running game going, but he actually came through in the passing game. He finished with 3/12 rushing but he added a 44-yard TD receiving TD, catching a pass in the flat and racing up the sideline. If Gordon can do more in the passing game this season – he had 33/192/0 receiving in 2015 – he could certainly outperform his current ADP of 83.

TE Antonio Gates got the night off, giving rookie TE Hunter Henry the chance to start, and he finished with 3/43 receiving on 4 targets. With Stevie Johnson out for the year, the Chargers could elect to use more 2-TE sets than originally planned. Also, with Gates’ advanced football age, the Chargers are likely to give Gates a few more snaps off, so Henry will get his fair share of snaps this season.

The Chargers held out camp star Tyrell Williams in the preseason opener because of “leg tightness,” but the injury isn’t believed to be serious. It’s actually probably a good sign for Williams that they held him out because it means that he’s likely a big part of their plans this season.

Titans Overview

Players of note who did not play: WR Kendall Wright (hamstring), RB David Cobb (undisclosed).

Starting RB DeMarco Murray and rookie RB Derrick Henry dominated in the first preseason game. Murray finished with 6/93/1 rushing, scoring on a 71-yard run and showing some jets down the sideline to get away from Charger defenders. Henry followed up Murray with 10/74/1 rushing, doing most of his damage between the tackles, including on his 6-yard TD run. Murray showed that he still has plenty of life left in his legs, but the Titans are likely to mix in Henry pretty liberally considering they spent the #45 overall pick on him in this year’s draft.

Rookie WR Tajae Sharpe suffered a possible concussion in his first preseason game after suiting up with the first-team offense and finishing with 2/35 receiving and 2 targets, including a 31-yard gain while taking a big hit. He’s been running with the starters since OTAs, ahead of the disappointing Dorial Green-Beckham (1/15 receiving on 2 targets). Veteran WR Andre Johnson played sparingly and had 2/15 receiving on 2 targets. Sharpe is really under the radar at this point, but he has a legit chance to start and be a deep option in fantasy leagues.

QB Marcus Mariota finished a perfect 5/5 with 45 yards with a long gain of 31 yards to Sharpe on his first pass on the game. He had trouble completing long passes last season, so it’s good to see him connecting early in the preseason on some down the field passes.

Raiders 31 | Cardinals 10

Raiders Overview

Players of note that did not play: None

QB Derek Carr only played two series completing 3 of 7 passes for 44 yards. His second series was capped by a Sebastian Janikowski field goal.

QB Matt McGloin remains entrenched as Carr’s backup and he tossed a pair of scores in this one (Walford, Holmes).

We got our first look at rookie QB Connor Cook who came into the game in the 3rd quarter and promptly led a quick 4-play 91-yard scoring drive on his first possession. He threw for 71 yards on the night completing 7-of-11 pass attempts.

We feel good about the Raider O-Line this year and they showed why in this game as they didn’t allow any sacks and consistently opened up running lanes all night. Raider runners averaged a whopping 7.9 YPC.

Starting RB Latavius Murray carried 4 times for 21 yards, rookie DeAndre Washington looked good carrying 8 times for 43 yards including a 25-yard scamper, but it was 4th-stringer George Atkinson III who led all runners with 97 yards and 2 TDs on just 5 carries. He scored on a 53-yard run up the sideline on his first carry of the game.

WR Michael Crabtree led all Raider pass catchers with 38 yards on 2 receptions in his two series aof play. Amari Cooper caught only one of his four targets for a short 6-yard gain.

TE Clive Walford started the game along with blocking specialist Lee Smith as the Raiders opened in 12 personnel. He caught one of two targets for a 19-yard TD.

Second-year DE Mario Edwards left the game with an apparent leg injury and was spotted using crutches after the game but his x-rays have reportedly come back negative.

Cardinals Overview

Players of note that did not play: Tyrann Mathieu (knee), John Brown (concussion)

Carson Palmer played just one series but showed good command of the offense completing 3 of 5 pass attempts for 38 yards leading the team on a 73-yard game-opening drive capped by a field goal.

Backup QB is an important position for the Cardinals who have seen their team fall apart without Palmer on the field. They can’t be thrilled with what they got out of backups Drew Stanton and Matt Barkley against the Raiders. Stanton, the #2, completed just 2 of his 6 attempts for 42 yards and an INT and Barkley who is trying to stick as the #3 completed only 8 of his 24 attempts for 121 yards and an INT. Barkley made several mental errors as he is trying to learn Coach Arians’ system.

The Cardinals are very deep at RB and they likely have some tough roster decisions to make at the position over the next few weeks. Starter David Johnson did nothing to quiet down his preseason hype as he looked worthy of his first-round ADP earning 31 yards on just 3 carries on Arizona’s opening drive. Chris Johnson (3/9) was in next and appears to have the #2 job secured but both Andre Ellington (3/41/1) and Kerwynn Williams (6/39) showed well in this game. Ellington in particular flashed the explosiveness that made him the team’s starter a year ago.

There wasn’t much work for WR Larry Fitzgerald who caught just one ball for -3 yards before calling it a night.

TE Troy Niklas who has been very disappointing so far in his short NFL career flashed the talent that made him a 2nd-round pick. He caught two balls for 44 yards, including a 32-yard catch and run that saw him bounce off a Raider defender and almost make it all the way to the end zone. Niklas is still behind Darren Fells and Jermaine Gresham on the depth chart.

Vikings 17 | Bengals 16

Vikings Overview

The Viking starting offense, without Adrian Peterson, played into the second quarter. QB Teddy Bridgewater took a shot early from Bengal DT Geno Atkins, but was overall very sharp, climbing the pocket and finding his receivers. He went 6/7 for 92 yards, throwing a 49-yard TD to…

WR Charles Johnson. Remember him? Johnson admitted recently that a painful rib injury was to blame for his poor 2016, and he’s reportedly had an excellent camp thus far. He started at WR for Minnesota, alongside Stefon Diggs, in the preseason opener. He got behind the defense on his score, and Bridgewater dropped it on a dime. It appears Johnson may have some post-hype value this year, but he’ll have to hold off…

Rookie WR Laquon Treadwell. Treadwell didn’t see a target until backup Viking QB Shaun Hill was in the game, but he ended up leading Minnesota with 5 targets and 4 catches, on which he totaled 41 yards. Treadwell flashed the polish that made him a first-round pick. He just has an innate feel for finding the void in defenses.

With Peterson inactive, Jerick McKinnon got the start at RB for the Vikings. He carried 5 times for 14 yards and, more importantly, caught 2 passes for 10 yards, both from Bridgewater. McKinnon’s receiving has been talked up all summer, especially from coach Mike Zimmer, who mentioned it directly to us as far back as the NFL Combine. He should have a role independent of Peterson.

Note that the Vikings opened in a 2-TE set, with Kyle Rudolph and MyCole Pruitt. A great athlete, Pruitt caught 2 passes for 16 yards (he was also penalized for a horse collar tackle on a return). He may not have independent fantasy value, but don’t be shocked if Pruitt vultures some TDs this year. If Rudolph gets hurt, he could be interesting.

Bengals Overview

The big story for the Bengals was the return of QB Andy Dalton, his first action since breaking his throwing thumb late last season. Dalton played one series, going 4/5 for 32 yards. Three of his 4 completions went to WR A.J. Green, for 26 yards. The other went to Brandon Tate, who was starting in place of the injured Brandon LaFell.

Rookie WR Tyler Boyd played early out of the slot, but he made perhaps the play of the day for the Bengals when lining up outside, catching a 40-yard pass from A.J. McCarron down the sideline. In true Boyd fashion, he didn’t necessarily burn CB Jabari Price, but he showed excellent ball skills in hauling in the bomb over his left shoulder with Price in tight coverage. It was a perfectly thrown ball by McCarron.

McCarron played very well, going 11/16 for 125 yards and a TD, a 3-yard pass to WR Alex Erickson.

Jeremy Hill started at RB for Cincy and carried 3 times for 16 yards. As you might expect, Giovani Bernard also got extensive work with the first team. He posted 7/21 rushing and 1/6 receiving.

With TEs Tyler Eifert and Tyler Kroft inactive, C.J. Uzomah got the start for the Bengals. He failed to catch his only target, but he’s reportedly had a strong camp thus far.

Lions 30 | Steelers 17

Lions Overview

The Lions reshuffled their offensive line this off-season, but they still looked as shaky as they did in 2015. QB Matthew Stafford (4/6 for 58 yards) took two big hits from free rushers in just one series of play, and he lost a fumble rookie LT Taylor Decker allowed a sack.

RB Zach Zenner (7/24 rushing, 3/32 receiving) played on the second series of the game after Theo Riddick (4/15 rushing, 1/2 receiving). Zenner played ahead of Stevan Ridley (5/14 rushing), who didn’t see action until the second half and didn’t see a touch until Zenner was done for the day. Zenner appears to be the #2 runner in this offense right now behind Ameer Abdullah, who has yet to take part in contact drills in camp as he recovers from off-season shoulder surgery.

WR Andre Roberts is making a bid to make the team with a team-best 3/57/1 receiving on 5 targets, and he added 2 kick returns for 36 yards. Mlive.com’s Kyle Meinke believes Roberts might have the leg up on making the team over Jeremy Kerley at this point, who had 5/36 receiving on 6 targets and a 23-yard kickoff return. Meinke also believes that Anquan Boldin (1/30 receiving on 1 target) and T.J. Jones (1/-1 receiving on 3 targets) are ahead of Kerley in the slot.

Mlive.com’s Kyle Meinke believes rookie QB Jake Rudock’s recent play could force the Lions to keep three QBs this season. He played well in the preseason opener, completing 8/11 for 72 yards and a TD, but he’s still clearly behind Stafford and Dan Orlovsky (16/25 for 164 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT).

HC Mike Tomlin insisted after the game that Ladarius Green is on the active/PUP list because of an ankle injury and not because of his recurring headaches. Based on the reports that have come out this week, we don’t believe Tomlin on this one, and we can’t advocate drafting Green with his indefinite absence. Second-year TE Jesse James drew the start with Green out, and he posted just 1/4 receiving on 2 targets.

WR Sammie Coates has been the talk of Steelers camp in the early going, but he had an extremely shaky performance in the preseason opener. He finished with 3/18 receiving on 4 targets, he added a rush for no yards, and he fumbled twice, losing one of them. Coates told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler after the game that he’s never fumbled his entire life, not even in Pop Warner, so hopefully this doesn’t become an issue for Coates.

WR Markus Wheaton sat out the preseason opener with what is believed to be a quad injury, but no one with the Steelers has confirmed the injury. Slot WR Eli Rogers (1/8 receiving on 1 target) started with Coates and Darrius Heyward-Bey (1/29/1 receiving on 3 targets).

In the biggest camp battle, Alejandro Villanueva drew the start at LT over Ryan Harris. However, Villanueva had a shaky performance, allowing a Devin Taylor sack and drawing an illegal hands penalty.

Third-string QB Bruce Gradkowski (3/3 for 22 yards) injured his hamstring in the third quarter. It sure looks like Landry Jones (6/12 for 55 yards and 1 TD), who started the game, has locked up the backup job behind Ben Roethlisberger.

RB Jay Ajayi had a golden chance to prove his worth as the starter with Arian Foster out, but completely flopped, rushing twice for just six yards and failing to catch his two targets. One of his drops fell into the hands of a Giant LB who, luckily for Ajayi, was out of bounds. Considering the Dolphins brought in Foster because of a lack of faith in Ajayi’s receiving game, Ajayi squandered a perfect chance to alleviate those concerns.

With WR DeVante Parker sitting, rookie WR Leonte Carroo caught all three of his targets, albeit for just 18 yards. One catch was an impressive one from backup QB Matt Moore near the sideline.

Fellow rookie Jakeem Grant, who has been the talk of camp, totaled 4/68 receiving on five targets and added 113 return yards. He won’t moving up on the depth chart and stands at just 5’7, but he’ll still be a dynamic player to watch.

Ryan Tannehill was under constant pressure during his short time in the game. Out of his four pass attempts, he was pressured on three of them. Giant newcomer Olivier Vernon shook Tannehill up, as LT Branden Albert looked completely overmatched. The offensive line overall looked pretty bad. It’s likely that we’ll see a lot of Laremy Tunsil moving forward.

Tannehill failed to register a first down in either of his two series.

K Andrew Franks drilled a 49-yard FGA with five minutes left in the first half.

Giants Overview

Not surprisingly, WR Victor Cruz missed the preseason opener after not having practiced since Tuesday because of a “tight groin.” HC Ben McAdoo said, however, that he’s hopeful Cruz will practice Sunday and be ready for next week’s game.

It was tough to gauge rookie WR Sterling Shepard’s performance against the Dolphins because of poor QB play by backup Ryan Nassib, who badly overthrew him on his first target. Shepard did, however, make a spectacular catch on another poorly thrown ball by Nassib which continued the team’s drive and eventually led to a TD. Third-stringer Logan Thomas replaced Nassib in the fourth quarter.

Overall, the deficiency in the receiving game is glaring outside of OBJ. Shepard aside, seven other players totaled 63 yards on ten combined targets.

After scoring on a 3-yard TD on the team’s opening drive, Rashad Jennings came out of the game, and Andre Williams came in. Williams looked spry early on but his 4.6 YPC on the game was heavily influenced by a 16-yard run, as he managed just 25 yards on eight other carries. He’s definitely the No. 3 behind Jennings and Shane Vereen. Vereen, meanwhile, popped off a 19-yard run but was only targeted once.

Rookie RB Paul Perkins ran with purpose on his seven carries, finishing with a 5.1 YPC, including back to back rushes of 6+ yards to end the half and a 14-yard run in the fourth quarter.

UDFA Joe Callahan started the game and was impressive, going 16/23 for 124 yards and a TD. He played the entire first half and was replaced by QB Marquise Williams.

RB Eddie Lacy looked like a man on a mission at times, powering through the trenches on a 3rd-and-1 for an 11-yard gain. The Packers gave him the rock on the first four plays of the game, including that 3rd-and-1, and Lacy finished with 24 yards for an impressive 6.0 YPC average. RB James Starks took over for Lacy after those carries and was much less effective, putting up a 5/13 rushing line.

A large part of Starks’ inefficiency was on display when he took the rock from the 1-yard line and was tackled for a Safety. The offensive line, however, provided no push whatsoever and missed two blocks, so Starks was dead in the water once he got the rock.

Mason Crosby was picture perfect in his 54-yard FGA in the first quarter. He drilled another 54-yarder in the third quarter and looks to be in mid-season form already.

While Starks struggled, and with Lacy exiting the game early, John Crockett was a big part of the backfield receiving game, catching all three of his targets for 17 yards, including a 2-yard TD reception.

In this murky WR corps after Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, neither Jared Abbrederis nor Ty Montgomery did much to boost their stock, even with competitor Jeff Janis out. Abbrederis caught two of his four targets for 23 yards, while Montgomery caught just one of three for 7 yards. Third-string TE Justin Perillo was the most efficient receiving option, catching five of seven balls for 52 yards. It’s worth noting, however, that there was no Aaron Rodgers to catch balls from.

Browns Overview

In his debut for the Browns, QB Robert Griffin III threw a perfectly placed ball on the first play down the sideline to WR Terrelle Pryor, who had his man beat by a step and a half, for 49 yards. With rookie WR Corey Coleman and WR Josh Gordon out, Pryor was the most effective receiver in the opener.

RG3 got drilled after the first play to Pryor but got up quickly. He did fumble on the next play though, but he recovered the ball. He also threw an ill-advised pass aimed for TE Gary Barnidge down the middle a few plays later and it was picked off by Micah Hyde.

RB Raheem Mostert bobbled and lost the football on the Packers punt after the Browns’ safety.

Rookie Cody Kessler came into the game with a splash, throwing a 10-yard TD pass to WR Rashard Higgins on his first play. Kessler was also sacked for a safety in the fourth quarter. No Brown QB really dazzled, as Kessler was the only one to throw a TD and RG3’s 67 passing yards were a team-high. Additionally, backup QB Austin Davis left the game with a concussion and it’s likely won’t make the roster.

Falcons 23 | Redskins 17

Redskins Overview

The Redskin ground attack had a rough showing in the first half, with 9/12 rushing for 1.3 YPC, including just 2 carries for 1 yard from starter Matt Jones. Rookie Keith Marshall followed him and did even worse with 5/-1 rushing. HC Jay Gruden wasn’t happy with the ground game after the game, “We’ve got to fix it. We’ve got to get our line coming off better, we’ve got to give it off to the right people. There’s no excuse, we have to run the ball better.” Tulane UDFA RB Robert Kelley did run well in the second half, going for 7/40/1 rushing, including a 1-yard TD run.

TE Vernon Davis got the start but he may have done a good job of solidifying himself behind Jordan Reed and Niles Paul after he dropped a beautiful pass from Colt McCoy in the back of the end zone. Paul did hyperextend his knee in the first quarter, but he was walking fine after the game and Gruden expects him to practice Saturday.

Falcons Overview

QB Matt Ryan and the first-team offense had a shaky first performance, with two three-and-outs before he gave way to Matt Schaub. Ryan didn’t complete a single pass, finishing 0/4 with 2 incompletions to Julio Jones.

WR Mohamed Sanu started and made his debut with the Falcons, but he didn’t catch a pass until Schaub came into the game. Sanu had a missed connection with Ryan before finishing with 2/18 receiving on 4 targets.

Schaub (10/15 for 179 yards) and speedy WR Aldrick Robinson (3/118 receiving on 5 targets) put on an aerial display, as the two connected on bombs for 47- and 68-yard gains. They settled for a field goal after the first big gain after the usually sure-handed Devonta Freeman (5/9 rushing, 2 targets) dropped an easy pass in the end zone. South Carolina UDFA RB Brandon Wilds (10/26/1 rushing, 1/1 receiving) scored a 1-yard TD on the other.

RB Tevin Coleman did little in preseason opener with just 2/9 rushing, but he did work in with Ryan and the starters on the second series.

As expected, Sam Bradford started the game for the Eagles, but threw just 1 pass, for 3 yards, as he “led” the Eagles on an 18-yard TD drive after they recovered a fumble on the opening kickoff. The drive was capped off with a 5-yard Ryan Mathews TD run. Mathews looked great, but had just 2 carries for 15 yards before the Eagles chose to protect him (a wise choice).

While he was the third QB into the game for Philly, the obvious story here is the play of Carson Wentz. By the numbers, Wentz was not good – 12/24 for 89 yards with an interception. Yes, he was playing behind a backup line with third-string WRs, but Wentz sailed multiple passes high, which has been a recurring issue from camp. But the positives were clear. First of all, Wentz stood tall in the pocket and delivered throws with a rush in his face (in fact, he should have taken a sack on his interception in the red zone, but forced a throw). He also extended plays with his legs on multiple occasions (he had 3 runs for 15 yards), and read blitzes. He’s clearly not “ready” in the truest sense, but he looked more comfortable than you might expect. He’s got to work on his accuracy, but the pocket presence is the #1 trait we look for from a young QB.

We also got a glimpse of perhaps the major reason Eagle coach Doug Pederson doesn’t want Wentz to play too early – offensive line depth. Backup QB Chase Daniel was awful, going 4/10 for 15 yards, with a 3-yard TD run, but both he and Wentz constantly had pressure in their faces. If Lane Johnson’s suspension is upheld, the Eagles could have big problems. RG Brandon Brooks also left the game with a biceps injury, but it appears to be minor. Backups Andrew Gardner and Dennis Kelly struggled in particular.

With Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood inactive, Kenjon Barner was the second Eagle RB in the game. He led the team with 7/35 rushing. He was also their first punt returner, so he appears to be in line to make the team.

With Jordan Matthews inactive, Chris Givens and Nelson Agholor started at WR. Rueben Randle and Josh Huff were next up, but Randle had a drop and a mental mistake, and Huff had a fumble. The Eagles are very thin at WR, which is one reason we may see plenty of 3-TE sets from them (Zach Ertz played a ton, catching 3 passes for 26 yards).

Caleb Sturgis got the Eagles’ lone FG attempt, over Cody Parkey. He nailed it from 42 yards. He also got the Eagles’ first XP attempt (Parkey had the second).

Buccaneers Overview

Buc starting QB Jameis Winston played a few series, and went 7/9 for 97 yards, with a 26-yard TD to Russell Shepard. But the throw wasn’t great – CB Leodis McKelvin misplayed what could have been an interception. Winston also lost a fumble on a Fletcher Cox strip sack.

Doug Martin started at RB and carried 5 times for 13 yards. With Charles Sims inactive, Mike James was the next RB up, and while he had just 3 yards on 7 carries, he also had a 26-yard reception. Storm Johnson was the third RB in the rotation for the Bucs – he’s battling James and Russell Hansbrough for a roster spot.

It was not a good day for WR Kenny Bell. Battling to make the roster, he fumbled the opening kickoff, didn’t catch either of his targets, and was flagged for OPI. He’s clearly behind #3 Adam Humphries and likely Shepard as well.

The Bucs opened in a 2-TE set. Austin Seferian-Jenkins was nowhere to be found – instead, Cameron Brate and Luke Stocker were the starters. ASJ didn’t get a target until late in the second quarter, from backup Mike Glennon. He finished with 2 catches for 10 yards, and is still in an uphill climb for playing time.

He’s unchallenged, but it’s worth noting that Buc rookie kicker Roberto Aguayo, a second-round pick, missed his first ever XP attempt in the NFL. He later drilled a 38-yard FG.

With Joe Flacco resting (Flacco has been participating in camp), Ryan Mallett got the start at QB for the Ravens. Mallett went 11/15 for 91 yards with a TD and a pick. The TD was a 19-yard dumpoff to Buck Allen, who started the game at RB for the Ravens. The INT went off the chest of TE/WR Darren Waller, popped into the air, and was returned for a TD by Panther LB A.J. Klein. However, officials called a penalty on Cam Newton for running on the field during the return, which gave the Panthers possession but negated the TD.

The story for Baltimore was the backfield. With Justin Forsett inactive, Buck Allen started and scored a 19-yard receiving TD, but gained just 6 yards on 6 carries. The star of training camp for the Ravens has been the “reborn” Terrance West, who has been cut by the likes of the Browns and Titans but has lost weight and appears determined to make Baltimore’s roster. The second back into the game for the Ravens, West carried 9 times for 25 yards, but keep in mind 2 of those were short TDs. He leapt over a pile for his first score, but his second was more impressive – he reversed field when the run that was called was clearly not blocked well, and hit the outside with speed. West ran low to the ground and looked well more elusive than we remember him being recently. Obviously he has to do it against actual competition, but he doesn’t appear to be going away.

The Ravens’ leading rusher was one of our favorite backs from the 2016 draft class, Kenneth Dixon. Dixon was the third back for the Ravens to get a touch and gained 44 yards on 9 carries. He showed his burst and elusiveness on his first carry, a 19-yard scamper up the gut in which he made a defender miss in the open field. He later added a 12-yard run. It goes without saying, but this backfield isn’t settled, not by a long shot.

Pretty much every receiver projected to make the Ravens’ roster sat out the game. Jeremy Butler (5 catches, 36 yards) and Daniel Brown (2/13) started at WR for the club. Waller led the team in receiver with 5 catches for 48 yards on 8 targets.

Panthers Overview

Star QB Cam Newton played one series for Carolina. He went 5/6 for 36 yards on a drive that ended in a short field goal. Newton’s biggest impact was felt later in the game, when he was called for an illegal substitution penalty for running onto the field during an interception return, negating a touchdown. Most fortunately, he left the game healthy, which is all we look for from guys like Cam in these games.

With Jonathan Stewart inactive, Fozzy Whittaker got the start at RB for the Panthers, but didn’t gain a single yard on 3 carries. Note that Cameron Artis-Payne also played with the first team on Newton’s lone series. CAP finished with 10 yards on 5 carries, while FB/RB Mike Tolbert gained 11 yards on 3 rushes. The Panthers’ two leading rushers weren’t RBs at all – backup QB Joe Webb (6/22) and WR Ted Ginn (1/17).

The Panthers opened in a 2-TE set, and their WRs were Kelvin Benjamin (his first game since his ACL tear last summer) and Ginn. Benjamin caught a single pass for 5 yards, and Ginn hauled one in for 9 yards. Devin Funchess was clearly behind both in the rotation, though he did get on the field with Newton. What Funchess did do was make a very impressive TD catch from backup Derek Anderson on a very nice back-shoulder throw. Funchess secured the ball well and managed to keep his toes inbounds, showing excellent hand/foot(?) coordination. He still has some rising of the depth chart to do, however.

Brenton Bersin led the Panthers in receiving with 5/69.

Patriots 34 | Saints 22

Saints Overview

Rookie WR Michael Thomas has been the talk of Saints camp in the first two weeks, and he didn’t disappoint in his pro debut with 4/67 receiving on 6 targets. He did his damage outside the numbers with a couple impressive catches down the sideline and not in the slot – Thomas has been tabbed early as the Marques Colston replacement as the big slot. Brandon Coleman (1 target) actually got the start over Thomas, and his only target resulted in a pick-six of Garret Grayson (10/16 for 133 yards and 1 INT). Thomas should be passing Coleman very soon, if he hasn’t already.

QB Drew Brees threw just a single pass Thursday night, but he made it a good one, connecting with Brandin Cooks for a 37-yard gain.

Starting RB Mark Ingram ran for only 18 yards on 7 carries but two of those carries went for 1-yard TDs.

K Kai Forbath, who is competing with Connor Barth for the starting job, never had a chance on a 50-yard field-goal attempt, and according to The New Orleans Times-Picayune HC Sean Payton wasn’t happy about it after the game.

DE Kasim Edebali had himself a game with 2 sacks in the preseason opener, and he’s now the favorite to win a starting job across from Cameron Jordan.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo will open the season as the starter for the first four weeks, and he got the first start of the preseason with Tom Brady missing the game for a memorial service for a family member. The Saint pass rush generated plenty of pressure on Garoppolo early and he looked shaky at times, but he hung in there and played better as the half went along. He ended up completing 11/18 passes for 168 yards while playing the entire first half. RB James White (3/12 rushing) padded his stats with a 56-yard screen pass, which set up a 1-yard TD plunge for LeGarrette Blount (9/20/1 rushing).

Rookie WR Malcolm Mitchell suffered an ugly dislocated elbow injury in the second quarter, but he’s expected to miss only four weeks, according to the Boston Herald. The rookie finished with a team-high 4/55 receiving on 5 targets before his injury.

New TE Martellus Bennett worked longer than expected in his first action with the Patriots – the entire first half – posting 3/33 receiving on 4 targets. According to the Boston Herald, Bennett has the most catches with Garoppolo in team drills (19) and the fourth most with Brady (14).

RB Tyler Gaffney saw his first ever NFL action, despite being drafted by the Panthers back in 2014. He suffered a knee injury as a rookie before the Patriots picked him up off waivers, and he’s essentially spent the last two years rehabbing the injury. Gaffney impressed in his first game with 9/64/1 rushing and 2/7 receiving, including a 44-yard TD run. He’s a darkhorse to earn early-down work behind Blount.

The Patriots really struggled along their offensive line last year, and the competition for playing time along the interior of the line has been an important camp battle. They used a starting lineup of LT Nate Solder, LG Joe Thuney, C David Andrews, RG Shaq Mason, and RT Marcus Cannon on Thursday night. Solder and Sebastian Vollmer are the starting tackles. The unit didn’t look much different from 2015 on Thursday night, as they group allowed 2 sacks of Garoppolo in the first half. The Boston Herald reports that Thuney has a “stranglehold” on the LG job, Andrews has been the starter at C since Bryan Stork suffered a concussion early in camp, and Mason and Josh Kline have rotated at RG.

Jets 17 | Jaguars 13

Jets Overview

Matt Forte (hamstring) missed the Jets’ opener. He has not practiced since August 2nd and the Jets’ next preseason game is on August 19th. Look for New York to continue to play it safe with their veteran back.

In place of the injured Forte, Bilal Powell toted the rock four times for 13 yards and a score against Jacksonville. Even though Forte should lead the Jets’ running back crew in touches when healthy, Powell remains a value in fantasy drafts. He’s going about 70 spots after Forte is off of the board.

Battling for a roster spot, Jets’ seventh-round selection Charone Peake showed well in his first exhibition game. He reeled in four passes for 45 yards, including a nice touchdown from Geno Smith just beyond the left-front pylon. Peake is an interesting prospect out of Clemson with an 86th percentile height-adjusted speed score. He should firmly be on deep dynasty radars.

WR Quincy Enunwa led the Jets with 69 yards on 2 catches. In his time with the first-team offense, Enunwa was used to exploit mismatches, and is capable of playing a Marques Colston/Jordan Matthews style slot role for the Jets. His competition for the #3 job includes Ohio State rookie UDFA Jalin Marshall, who may well make the team on special teams prowess alone (he had an 80-yard kickoff return in the opener), but Enunwa earned the praise of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick after the game and should be considered the heavy favorite. He could have some TD upside this year.

Jaguars Overview

Players of note who did not play: None

The starting Jaguars’ offense hummed along against the Jets preseason defense, on the back of Allen Robinson’s two excellent contested catches. One grab was on a back shoulder throw and the other came with a defender in his lap in the middle of the field. Robinson is a no-brainer top-10 fantasy wide receiver this year.

Most notably, the Jags’ split running back touches fairly evenly in their two drives with starters on the field. T.J. Yeldon had five touches while Chris Ivory had seven, including a one-yard plunge at the goal line. This confirms what we expected out of the Jags’ running back duo. Ivory will have the touchdown upside while Yeldon will still have a solid floor of touches every week. Both players are suitable RB3 selections in re-draft/best ball leagues.

Broncos 22 | Bears 0

Broncos Overview

The Broncos defense pitched a shutout, tallied 7 sacks and held the Bears to 130 total yards even without some key starters. The special teams unit added a blocked punt for a TD and a safety.

QB Mark Sanchez maintained his slight edge in the Denver QB battle as he started and played the first quarter completing 10 of 13 for 99 yards with a TD and an INT. He was sharp early on short passes and showed tremendous poise hanging in the pocket and delivering a 32-yard TD toss to Demaryius Thomas (2/43/1) despite a strong pass rush right up the middle. However, in typical Sanchez fashion he followed that up with an ugly pick thrown into heavy coverage on the next possession.

QB Trevor Siemien played the second quarter (7/12 for 88 yards) and showed accuracy of short and intermediate routes but missed on a few deep balls.

Rookie QB Paxton Lynch was the only Denver QB not to lead the team on a scoring drive despite completing 6 of his 7 pass attempts. He took three sacks but HC Gary Kubiak seemed satisfied with the rookie’s performance using words like “solid” and “good” in a postgame press conference.

Not much of note for the RBs. C.J. Anderson started (2/8), Ronnie Hillman was in next (3/13) and Davontae Booker is still third on the depth chart (4/11 rushing and 1/8 receiving).

WR Cody Latimer led the team in receiving catching 7 of his 8 targets for 82 yards playing most with Siemien and Lynch.

Bears Overview

Players of note who did not play: Zach Miller (concussion), Eddie Royal (concussion), Marquess Wilson (foot)

The Bears offense was a disaster managing only 130 total yards and 0 points. Their deepest penetration all night was the Broncos’ 44-yard line. The O-Line allowed 7 sacks including a safety and had trouble opening running lanes all night.

QB Jay Cutler dropped back to pass six times but managed only three completions for 18 yards and was sacked twice.

This was pretty much a lost game for the RBs as Bears’ backs only managed to run for only 34 yards as a team with no runs longer than 7 yards. Starter Jeremy Langford managed only 10 total yards on his 5 touches, Jacquizz Rodgers totaled just 7 yards on his 4 touches and Ka’DeemCarey left the game with a possible concussion. Rookie Jordan Howard led the team with 12 rushing yards on 5 carries.

WR Alshon Jeffery (1/12) started after nursing a hamstring this week in practice.

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